DoD 4525.8-M

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

2 FOREWORD

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

FOREWORD 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS 3

FIGURES 5

TABLES 5

REFERENCES 6

DEFINITIONS 7

ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS 13

CHAPTER 1 - MAIL PIECE PREPARATION 15

C1.1. GENERAL 15

C1.2. MAIL PIECE DESIGN 15

C1.3. RESTRICTIONS ON USE OF APPROPRIATED FUND POSTAGE 15

C1.4. UNAUTHORIZED USES OF APPROPRIATED FUND POSTAGE 19

C1.5. COST REDUCTION TIPS 22

C1.6. SELECTING A CARRIER 23

C1.7. SELECTING CLASS OF MAIL 24

C1.8. SELECTING SPECIAL MAIL SERVICES 24

C1.9. MARKINGS 28

C1.10. EXPRESS MAIL 29

C1.11. REPLAY MAIL METHODS 30

C1.12. DROP - SHIPMENT 34

C1.13. INTERNATIONAL MAIL 34

C1.14. NONPROFIT AND SUBSIDIZED RATES 35

C1.15. REPORTING MISUSE OF APPROPRIATED FUND POSTAGE 35

C1.16. FORMS OF POSTAGE 35

C1.17. MAILING LISTS 37

C1.18. RETURN AND DELIVERY ADDRESSES 37

C1.19. ENVELOPES AND PACKAGING 37

C1.20. ACCOUNTABLE AND OTHER IMPORTANT ITEMS 41

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 2 - MAIL CENTER OPERATIONS 47

C2.1. PURPOSE 47

C2.2. PLANNING 47

C2.3. MAIL CENTER OPERATIONS 48

C2.4. EMPLOYEES 51

C2.5. ENVIRONMENT 51

C2.6. POSTAGE AND FEES COMPUTATION 52

C2.7. POSTAGE PROCUREMENT 53

C2.8. SECURITY 57

C2.9. DEALINGS WITH THE POST OFFICE 58

C2.10. CONSOLIDATED MAIL 60

C2.11. POSTAGE METERS 63

C2.12. POSTAGE STAMPS AND PC POSTAGE 66

C2.13. EMERGENCY DISPOSITION OF POSTAGE STAMPS AND METERS 67

C2.14. POSTAGE DUE PENALTY MAIL 67

C2.15. CHANGE OF ADDRESS 69

C2.16. CONTRACTING - OUT 69

C2.17. PERSONAL AND SOLICITATION MAIL 70

C2.18. MAIL CENTER EQUIPMENT 70

CHAPTER 3 - ADDRESSES 81

C3.1. GENERAL 81

C3.2. ADDRESS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (AMS) 81

C3.3. ASSIGNMENT OF ADDRESSES 81

C3.4. USES OF ADDRESSES 86

C3.5. VERIFYING ADDRESSES 86

C3.6. ADDRESS FORMATS 87

C3.7. PRINTING ADDRESSES 89

C3.8. ADDRESS CHANGES 90

C3.9. ZIP CODES AND BARCODES 90

CHAPTER 4 - TERRORIST THREATS 92

C4.1. GENERAL 92

C4.2. MAIL BOMBS 92

C4.3. PLACE BOMBS 94

C4.4. BIOLOGICAL/CHEMICAL THREATS 94

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

4 TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 5 - DoD DIPLOMATIC POUCH MAIL 95

C5.1. PURPOSE 95

C5.2. GENERAL 95

C5.3. PREPARATION OF MAIL 95

CHAPTER 6 - MAIL CENTER OPERATIONS - STARTING, ENDING, AND MOVING 99

C6.1. PURPOSE 99

C6.2. GUIDANCE FOR BEGINNING MAIL SERVICE 99

C6.3. GUIDANCE FOR ACTIVITY DEACTIVATIONS AND INSTALLATION

CLOSURES

103

C6.4. GUIDANCE FOR ACTIVITY OR MAIL CENTER MOVEMENT OR NAME

CHANGES

105

C6.5. PLANNING THE NEW MAIL CENTER 106

C6.6. DESIGNING THE MAIL CENTER 109

C6.7. ESTABLISHING THE NEW MAIL CENTER 110

APPENDICES

APPENDIX 1 - AGREEMENT 112

APPENDIX 2 - DIPLOMATIC POUCH MAIL 117

FIGURES

C1.F1. APPROPRIATED FUND POSTAGE USE DECISION TREE 42

C1.F2. DD FORM 2825 43

C2.F1. PAYMENT METHODS FOR CUSTOMERS SERVED BY USPS OR MPO 72

C2.F2. CCR REGISTRATION LIST, UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE 73

C2.F3. USPS CORPORATE TREASURER'S LETTER TO POSTMASTER 80

C5.F1. U.S. POSTAL SERVICE OFFICIAL ZONE CHART 98

AP2.F1. ZIP+4 CODES FOR UNCLASSIFIED MAIL AND INNER WRAPPER ON

CLASSIFIED DoD DIPLOMATIC POUCH MAIL

120

TABLES

C1.T1. DOMESTIC MAIL CLASSIFICATION SELECTION TABLE 44

C1.T2. DOMESTIC MAIL CLASSES, ENDORSEMENTS, AND LEVELS OF

SERVICE

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

5 TABLE OF CONTENTS

REFERENCES

(a) DoD Instruction 4525.8, "DoD Official Mail Management,"

(b) Sections 401, 404, 601-606 of title 39, United States Code

(d) Title 39, Code of Federal Regulations, Sections 310 and 320

(e) DoD 8910.1-M, "DoD Procedures for Management of Information Requirements,"

June 30, 1998

(f) United States Postal Service (USPS) Domestic Mail Manual, current edition

(g) DoD Directive 1015.6, "Funding of Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Programs,"

August 3, 1984

(h) Section 1044 of title 10, United States Code

(i) Comptroller General of the United States Decision B-249061, May 17, 1993

(j) DoD 7000.14-R, Volume 11A, "Reimbursable Operations, Policy and Procedures,"

March 1, 1997

(k) USPS International Mail Manual (IMM), current edition

(l) Section 726 of title 40, United States Code

(m) Comptroller General of the United States Decision, 58 Comptroller General 14

(1978)

(n) DoD 5200.1-R, "DoD Information Security Program Regulation," January 14, 1997

(o) USPS Publication 25, "Designing Letter and Reply Mail," current edition

(p) DoD 5400.7-R, "DoD Freedom of Information Act Program," September 4, 1998

(q) Article 27 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Privileges and Immunities

(r) USPS Publication 28, "Postal Addressing Standard," current edition

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

6 REFERENCES

DL1. DEFINITIONS

DL1.1.1. Activity. Any DoD organization such as headquarters, Agency, depot, or

unit.

DL1.1.2. Ancillary Service. Forwarding, return, or address correction service

included within a mail class. Depending on the mail class, these services are preformed

at a charge or at no additional charge, if and when the service is actually rendered.

DL1.1.3. Appropriated Fund Postage. Postage paid for with funds appropriated by

the United States Congress. The postage may be prepaid or penalty postage.

DL1.1.4. Black Box Payments. Payments pertaining to classified projects.

DL1.1.5. Business Reply Mail. Specially printed postcards, envelopes, cartons, and

labels that may be mailed without postage prepayment. Postage and fees are collected

when the mail is delivered back to the original sender. This domestic service enables

authorized mailers to receive First-Class Mail, without prepaid postage, back from

customers by paying the postage and a fee on receipt of the mail pieces. (Compare

with courtesy reply mail, International Business Reply Service, and meter reply mail.)

DL1.1.6. Certificate of Mailing. A supplemental mail service that provides a

receipt prepared by the mailer as proof of mailing.

DL1.1.7. Certified Mail. A special service that provides the sender with a receipt

at the time of mailing; a record of delivery is kept at the post office of address. This

type of mail must be sent at the regular First-Class Mail or Priority Mail rate. It is

dispatched and handled in transit as ordinary mail. There are additional fees for return

receipt. (Compare with registered mail and Delivery Confirmation.) A record is not

kept at the post office where it is mailed. If lost, it cannot be traced.

DL1.1.8. Commercial Enterprise Publication. DoD installations' or activities'

Public Affairs office normally keep personnel informed about what is happening through

installation or activity newspapers. In some cases, the printing and distribution of these

newspapers has been contracted out to commercial enterprises. The latter sell

advertising in the paper to cover the printing and distribution costs.

DL1.1.9. Consolidated Mail. Two or more pieces of mail placed in one container

for direct mailing to one addressee, one installation, or more than one installation

served by the same mail center.

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

7 DEFINITIONS

DL1.1.10. Container. A bag, envelope, box, pouch, or similar items, which will

hold two or more pieces of mail.

DL1.1.11. Distribution Case. The USPS' term for a group of boxes used to sort

mail by addressee. "Pigeon hole" is another name frequently used for these boxes.

DL1.1.12. Endorsement. A marking on a mail piece that shows handling

instructions, a special service, or a request for an ancillary service.

DL1.1.13. Express Mail. A mail class that provides expedited USPS overnight

delivery service for mailable matter (up to 70 pounds), subject to certain standards. It

is available in five basic domestic service offerings: Same Day Airport Service,

Custom Designed Service, Post Office to Addressee Service, Post Office to Post

Office Service, and Military Service. In addition, Express Mail International Service is

available for foreign destinations. Express Mail is a USPS trademark.

DL1.1.14. First-Class Mail. A mail class that includes all matter wholly or partly

in handwriting or typewriting, all actual and personal correspondence, all bills and

statements of account, and all matter sealed or otherwise closed against inspection.

First-Class Mail comprises three subclasses: Post Cards and Stamped Cards, Letters

and Sealed Parcels, and Priority Mail. Any mailable matter may be sent as First-Class

Mail. First-Class Mail is a USPS trademark. (NOTE: Its use is mandatory for all

matter wholly or partly in handwriting or typewriting, all actual and personal

correspondence, all bills and statements of account. These items are covered by the

Private Express Statutes.)

DL1.1.15. Flat. The general term for flat-size mail, so called because the large

mail is sorted without bending it so it remains flat.

DL1.1.16. Flat-Size Mail. A mail piece that exceeds one of the dimensions for

letter-size mail (11-1/2 inches long, 6-1/8 inches high, 1/4 inch thick) but does not

exceed the maximum dimension for this mail processing category (15 inches long, 12

inches high, 3/4 inch thick). The dimensions are slightly different for automation rate

eligibility. It may be unwrapped, paper-wrapped, sleeve-wrapped, or enveloped.

DL1.1.17. Indicia. An imprinted designation on a mail piece that denotes postage

payment (for example, a permit imprint in place of a postage stamp or a meter stamp).

DL1.1.18. Insured Mail. A special service to customers who pay a fee in advance

to obtain payment in the event that the mail is lost, rifled, or damaged (see also:

collect on delivery, Express Mail, and registered mail.) (NOTE: Insured mail is

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

8 DEFINITIONS

available only on Standard Mail, or mail containing Standard Mail matter sent at the

First-Class or Priority Mail rates. It provides a receipt to the sender and a record of

delivery at the post office of delivery is kept for numbered insured but not minimum

fee insured items. A record is not kept at the post office where mailed.) Express mail

is automatically insured for $500.00.

DL1.1.19. International Mail. Mail originating in one country and destinating in

another. It is classified as Postal Union Mail (that is, letters and cards (LC) and other

articles (AO), postal parcels, and Express Mail International Service). (NOTE: Mail to

and from MPOs is considered domestic mail, not international mail, as long as the

return address is an MPO or domestic address and the delivery address does not include

the name of a foreign city and country.)

DL1.1.20. Letter-Size Mail. A mail processing category of mail pieces, including

cards, not exceeding any of the dimensions for letter-size mail (that is, 11-1/2 inches

long, 6-1/8 inches high, 1/4 inch thick). (NOTE: It must be at least 5 inches long, 3

1/2 inches high, and 0.007 inches thick.)

DL1.1.21. Library Rate. A Standard Mail subclass for items on loan from or

exchanged between academic institutions, public libraries, museums, and other

authorized organizations. (NOTE: This is a Congressionally subsidized rate. It is not

authorized for use by DoD activities.)

DL1.1.22. Marking. Specifically, a notation on a mail piece that shows mail class

or rate. In general, any notation or endorsement.

DL1.1.23. Merchandise Return Service. A special service whereby an authorized

company provides a customer with a special mailing tag or label to return a shipment

without postage prepayment. The company pays the return postage. (Compare with

business reply mail.)

DL1.1.24. Metered Postage. Postage printed by a mechanical or electronic

imprinter directly onto the mail piece or onto gummed tape or labels affixed to the

mail piece. It may be used on all mail classes except Periodicals.

DL1.1.25. Military Ordinary Mail. Official mail sent by the Department of

Defense, posted at Periodicals requester publication rate, Standard Mail, or Parcel

Services postage rates, which must have faster than sealift transportation service to,

from, and between overseas points, but does not require premium Priority service. It is

moved by surface transportation in the United States and by air on overseas portions of

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

9 DEFINITIONS

its trip. It provides cheaper postage than Priority Mail. Delivery time to any MPO may

be almost as fast as Priority Mail and rarely exceeds 21 days.

DL1.1.26. Military Post Office. A branch of a designated USPS civilian post

office, which falls under the jurisdiction of the postmaster of either New York or San

Francisco. It is operated by the Department of Defense to serve military personnel

overseas or aboard ships where the USPS does not operate and a military situation

requires the service. It may be either an Army Post Office (APO) that serves the Army

or Air Force or a Fleet Post Office (FPO) that serves the Coast Guard, Navy, or Marine

Corps.

DL1.1.27. Mixed Classes of Mail. Two or more classes of mail combined into

one enclosure. Postage for the entire weight is charged at the higher class rate.

DL1.1.28. Nonconveyable. Any item to be shipped via diplomatic pouch that

weighs over 40 pounds, or exceeds 62 inches in length and girth combined, or whose

longest dimension exceeds 24 inches.

DL1.1.29. Nonstandard Mail. First-Class mail weighing 1 ounce or less and

Standard Mail weighing 2 ounces or less requires payment of a surcharge if it does not

have a standard aspect ratio of between 1.3 and 2.5. The standard aspect ratio is

determined by dividing the length by the height. The surcharge is also applicable if it

exceeds any of the following: height - 6 1/8 inches; length - 11 1/2 inches; thickness -

1/4 inch.

DL1.1.30. Official Mail. Official matter mailed as penalty mail or with postage

and fees prepaid.

DL1.1.31. Official Matter. Any item belonging to or exclusively pertaining to the

business of the U.S. Government.

DL1.1.32. Parcel Air Lift Mail. Special postal service for parcels and Periodicals

rate publications mailed to military personnel overseas. It is not authorized for use on

official mail.

DL1.1.33. Penalty Postage. Penalty postage is paid for after mailing versus

prepaid postage that is paid for when obtained. Forms of penalty postage are: penalty

metered indicia, penalty permit indicia, penalty mail stamps, penalty business reply and

merchandise return indicia.

DL1.1.34. Periodicals. Magazines, journals, newspapers, digests, briefs, bulletins,

summaries, and similar items published on a recurring basis.

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

10 DEFINITIONS

DL1.1.35. Periodicals Rate. The class of mail for printed periodical publications

including newspapers and requester publications.

DL1.1.36. Permit. Mail with imprinted indicia instead of a stamp or postage meter

imprint showing postage paid by the sender.

DL1.1.37. Postage Stamp. Includes both prepaid postage stamps sold by post

offices and penalty mail stamps.

DL1.1.38. Post Office. A post office operated by the USPS or an MPO.

DL1.1.39. Prepaid Postage. All forms of postage except penalty postage.

DL1.1.40. Priority Mail. First-Class Mail weighing more than 13 ounces.

DL1.1.41. Private Express Statutes. A group of Federal statutes giving the USPS

the exclusive right, with certain exceptions, to carry letters for others. They are based

on the provision in the U.S. Constitution authorizing Congress to "establish Post Offices

and post roads." (See 39 U.S. 401, 404, 601-606; 18 U.S. C. 1693-1699; and 39 CFR

Part 310 and 320 (references (b) through (d)).)

DL1.1.42. Registered Mail. The most secure service the USPS offers. It

incorporates a system of receipts to monitor mail movement from the point of

acceptance to delivery.

DL1.1.43. Requester Publications Rate. A part of the Periodicals rate structure

used for periodicals with at least 24 pages, issued regularly four or more times a year,

circulated free or mainly free, and containing at least 25 percent nonadvertising.

DL1.1.44. Required Delivery Date. The date by which mail must reach its

addressee.

DL1.1.45. Restricted Delivery. A service by which a mailer may direct delivery

only to the addressee or to an agent of the addressee specifically authorized in writing

by the addressee to receive his or her mail.

DL1.1.46. Return Receipt. A postal service available only on registered, certified,

or numbered insured mail. USPS Domestic Return Receipt (PS Form 3811) shows to

whom and when mail is delivered and is used only when the mailer must have proof of

delivery or date of delivery.

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

11 DEFINITIONS

DL1.1.47. Secondary Delivery Unit Designator. Secondary delivery unit

designators are words such as apartment, suite, floor, room, unit, stop, and department.

These words shall be followed by a number. They normally are placed on the same line

as the street address. The secondary designator may be placed on the line above the

street address if the line is too long when both are shown on the same line.

DL1.1.48. Self-Mailer. Any mail piece (except parcels) that does not have an

outer cover, wrapping, or envelope in addition to the paper or material on which the

majority of the printing, drawing, or writing being transmitted is placed. Examples are:

postcards, or a number of sheets, folded or unfolded, not necessarily of the same

material.

DL1.1.49. Small Volume Mailer. An activity with outgoing mail volume that is

too small to justify the cost of leasing and using any type of postage meter.

DL1.1.50. Space Available Mail. A special postal service for parcels and

publications mailed to military personnel overseas. It is not authorized for use on

official mail.

DL1.1.51. Standard Mail. Standard Mail matter that weighs less than 16 ounces.

It comprises the subclasses of Regular Standard Mail, Nonprofit Standard Mail,

Enhanced Carrier Route Standard Mail, Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route Standard

Mail, and Single-Piece. These subclasses include: circulars, printed matter, pamphlets,

catalogs, newsletters, direct mail, and merchandise. (NOTE: The Department of

Defense is not authorized to use the Nonprofit Standard Mail and Nonprofit Enhanced

Carrier Route Standard Mail rates; they are Congressionally subsidized.)

DL1.1.52. Parcel Services. Usually items that weigh 16 ounces or more. It

comprises four subclasses: Bound Printed Matter, Library Mail, Parcel Post, and Media

Mail. (NOTE: The Department of Defense is not authorized to use the Library Mail

rate; it is a Congressionally subsidized rate.)

DL1.1.53. Surcharges. Fees charged in addition to the normal postage on

nonstandard mail.

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

12 DEFINITIONS

AL1. ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

AL1.1.1. ADO Activity Distribution Office

AL1.1.2. AMS (USPS') Address Management System

AL1.1.3. ANMCS Anticipated Not Mission Capable Supply

AL1.1.4. AOMM Assistant Official Mail Manager

AL1.1.5. APO Army or Air Force Post Office

AL1.1.6. BRM Business Reply Mail

AL1.1.7. CASS Coding Accuracy Support System

AL1.1.8. CONUS Continental United States

AL1.1.9. DCS Defense Courier Service

AL1.1.10. DMM Domestic Mail Manual

AL1.1.11. DoD Department of Defense

AL1.1.12. DoDIM Department of Defense Intratheater Mail

AL1.1.13. DoS Department of State

AL1.1.14. DPMD Diplomatic Pouch and Mail Division

AL1.1.15. DPS Diplomatic Pouch Service

AL1.1.16. FPO Fleet Post Office

AL1.1.17. GSA General Services Administration

AL1.1.18. IMM International Mail Manual

AL1.1.19. JUMPS Joint Uniform Military Pay System

AL1.1.20. MACOM Major Air Force or Army Command;

Navy Level 1 Command

AL1.1.21. MCM Mail Center Manager

AL1.1.22. MOM Military Ordinary Mail

AL1.1.23. MPS Military Postal Service

AL1.1.24. MPO Military Post Office (APO or FPO)

AL1.1.25. MPSA Military Postal Service Agency

AL1.1.26. MRS Merchandise Return Service

AL1.1.27. MWR Morale, Welfare, and Recreation

AL1.1.28. NAFI Nonappropriated Fund Instrumentality

AL1.1.29. OMC Official Mail Center

AL1.1.30. OMCM Official Mail Center Manager

AL1.1.31. OMP Official Mail Program

AL1.1.32. OMM Official Mail Manager

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

13 ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

AL1.1.33. NMCS Not Mission Capable Supply

AL1.1.34. PS Postal Service

AL1.1.35. RDD Required Delivery Date

AL1.1.36. STE Suite

AL1.1.37. TA Trust Account

AL1.1.38. UPS United Parcel Service

AL1.1.39. USPS United States Postal Service

AL1.1.40. ZIP Zone Improvement Plan

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

14 ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

C1. CHAPTER 1

MAIL PIECE PREPARATION

C1.1. GENERAL

This Chapter is designed to assist anyone who creates a mail piece or prepares one for

mailing. It provides cost-effective policies and procedures for preparing items to be

shipped via the United States Postal Service (USPS) and provides references to

technical postal knowledge when needed. Topics include mail piece design,

restrictions on the use of postage paid for with appropriated funds, cost reduction tips,

carrier selection, selecting the proper mail class, special mail services, required postal

markings, Express Mail, reply mail methods, drop-shipments, international mail,

nonprofit and subsidized postage rates, reporting misuse of appropriated fund postage,

forms of postage, mailing lists, return and delivery addresses, ZIP+4 Codes and

barcodes, envelopes and packaging. All questions not answered by this Chapter are to

be referred to the local official mail manager.

C1.2. MAIL PIECE DESIGN

Several things affect the design of a mail piece and must be considered before preparing

the artwork and doing the printing. They include the form of outgoing postage, how

postage will be paid on items the recipients are to return, postage discount

requirements, and type of special service (e.g., registry). Contact the local official

mail manager to make sure the selected form of postage is applicable and the necessary

permits and postage funds are available before designing and printing mail pieces or

address labels. Contact the USPS' Account Representative or the Mail Piece Design

Specialist at the Postal Business Service Center for design assistance when needed.

C1.3. RESTRICTIONS ON USE OF APPROPRIATED FUND POSTAGE

Appropriated funds may be used to pay the postage for official mail relating solely to

the business of the United States Government. Thus, appropriated funds may be used:

C1.3.1. By the Army National Guard and Air National Guard only for mailings

pertaining to Federal Government matters.

C1.3.2. By an activity or activity commander for inviting non-DoD dignitaries to

attend official social functions held in behalf of a DoD Component or sponsored in the

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

15 CHAPTER 1

name of a DoD Component. The official status of the function shall be clearly stated

or readily apparent in the invitation. For example, an installation commander is

authorized to use appropriated fund postage to invite community officials to an

installation open house.

C1.3.3. By retired members of a DoD Component for merchandise return or

business reply items furnished to them by a DoD activity.

C1.3.4. For mailing change-of-address cards only for changes of address resulting

from carrying out written military orders. A copy of the orders must be presented with

the cards.

C1.3.5. For mailing bulk shipments of daily, weekly, housing and similar bulletins

to supported installations and activities only. Less costly methods of shipment must be

considered and used when feasible.

C1.3.6. By contractors as follows:

C1.3.6.1. Contracts or purchase orders requiring DoD Components to pay the

postage and fees shall require the use of mail classes and special postal services that

will be at the lowest possible cost to DoD consistent with required delivery date

(RDD), security, accountability, and USPS requirements.

C1.3.6.2. Envelopes and labels used by a contractor shall bear the preprinted

return address of the furnishing DoD activity and not that of a private person, concern,

organization, or contractor.

C1.3.6.3. When authorized, the appropriate type of special service shall be

preprinted on the envelope or label in the manner required by USPS. Contractors shall

not add markings for these services.

C1.3.6.4. A DoD permit may be used for large mailings if USPS mailing

requirements are met. Contractor use of permits must be approved by the DoD

Component. Applications shall be submitted per Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)

(reference (f)) P040 for prepaid postage.

C1.3.6.5. Postage meters may be used when approved by the DoD

Component. The meters shall be licensed to and under the control of the DoD

Component concerned.

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

16 CHAPTER 1

C1.3.6.6. When the use of a permit or postage meter is not practical,

contractors shall prepay the postage and fees and be reimbursed by including such costs

as a separate item on the invoice.

C1.3.7. For DoD Component authorized periodicals as follows:

C1.3.7.1. Distribution mandated by DoD Component regulations or directives.

C1.3.7.2. Individual copies to higher headquarters in the chain of command

and other public affairs offices for administrative purposes.

C1.3.7.3. Copies in bulk to subordinate units for distribution to the units'

members. Other, less expensive transportation methods shall be used if they can

provide the same or faster delivery time than mail.

C1.3.7.4. A copy to a private person, firm, or organization in response to a

specific, written, unsolicited request only if the periodical contains no advertising. The

request shall be kept on file in the editor's office as long as the periodical continues to

be mailed in response to that request. The mailing list shall be limited to the minimum

consistent with the needs and best interests of the command and shall not include

members of the audience the publication is designed to reach.

C1.3.7.5. Copies to other Government Agencies and libraries, hospitals, or

schools to promote the overall command public affairs program.

C1.3.7.6. Copies of State-level Army National Guard and Air National Guard

and U.S. Army Reserve Command command-level periodicals containing no advertising

to the home address of individual members. These copies shall be mailed at the

Standard Mail rate or appropriate Periodicals rate. The mailing of lower

command-level periodicals is not authorized.

C1.3.7.7. Commercial enterprise publications may be mailed only in

accordance with paragraphs C1.3.7.1., C1.3.7.2., and as bulk shipments to deployed units

when that is the most cost-effective way to ship them. Postage on such shipments must

be applied by the DoD activity, not the commercial enterprise publisher.

C1.3.8. By commanders per DoD Directive 1015.6 (reference (g)) to discharge

their morale, welfare, and recreation (MWR) mission with the following restrictions:

C1.3.8.1. Appropriated fund postage may be used to mail a consolidated packet

containing information regarding the existence of all available MWR activities to

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

17 CHAPTER 1

personnel eligible to use them; however, the packet shall neither contain information on

revenue producing items or events nor violate other parts of this Manual. A revenue

producing item or event is one where the recipient or participant pays for all or part of

the cost of the service or goods received. The category of the organization providing

the goods or service is immaterial.

C1.3.8.2. Appropriated fund postage shall not be used to mail personal

correspondence. Individuals converting appropriated funds to their personal use, or the

use of another person, may be charged under 18 U.S. Code 641 (reference (c)). The

"or the use of another" applies to personnel making or authorizing policy. When this

Manual was written, Section 641 read as follows: "Whoever embezzles, steals, purloins,

or knowingly converts to his use or the use of another, or without authority, sells,

conveys or disposes of any record, voucher, money, or thing of value of the United

States or of any Department or Agency thereof, or any property made or being made

under contract for the United States or any Department or Agency thereof; or whoever

receives, conceals, or retains the same with intent to convert it to his use or gain,

knowing it to have been embezzled, stolen, purloined or converted -- shall be fined

under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both; but if the value of such

property does not exceed the sum of $1000, he shall be fined under this title or

imprisoned not more than one year, or both. The word 'value' means face, par, or

market value, or cost price, either wholesale or retail, whichever is greater."

C1.3.9. By prisoners in a non-pay status for personal mail per DoD Component

directives.

C1.3.10. Official announcements of official retirement, promotion, award,

change-of-command, and ship commissioning or decommissioning ceremonies. The

location and time of a directly related reception may be noted if it does not result in any

increase in cost to the Government, and the notation does not include advertisement for

or endorsement of any enterprise.

C1.3.11. Items associated with tax filing programs established by DoD Components

under 10 U.S.C. 1044 (reference (h)).

C1.3.12. Information that would otherwise be unofficial may be included in official

command publications such as daily, weekly, housing, and family support group-type

bulletins/newsletters when the local commander determines its dissemination will

contribute to morale or esprit de corps. Such information may be included only if it is

not otherwise prohibited by this manual, it does not exceed 20 percent of the printed

space used for the official information, there will be no increase in cost to the

Government, and it does not include personal wanted/for sale advertisements.

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

18 CHAPTER 1

C1.3.13. The consolidation of personnel offices and other functions has created

the necessity to mail many transactions that were previously handled in person. The

following, and similar items, may be mailed using appropriated fund postage.

C1.3.13.1. Military/civilian retirement packages.

C1.3.13.2. Items sent to various enlisted promotion boards and officer

selection boards after the command sent the initial package.

C1.3.13.3. Individual requests for microfiche copies of their military and

civilian personnel file.

C1.3.13.4. Changes to an individual's Thrift Savings Plan accounyt and

Government-sponsored life/health insurance policy.

C1.3.13.5. Requests by military personnel that they be added to the housing

list at their next duty station.

C1.3.13.6. Paperwork relating to Do-It-Yourself (DITY) moves and personal

property damage claims resulting from permanent change of station (PCS) moves.

C1.4. UNAUTHORIZED USES OF APPROPRIATED FUND POSTAGE

Appropriated funds may be used only for official mail relating solely to the business of

the United States Government. Thus appropriated funds may not be used to pay postage

for:

C1.4.1. Or in support of, Nonappropriated Fund Instrumentalities (NAF) or their

functions. NAFIs exist for the purpose of providing support where appropriated funds

are not available or are not adequate. Official mail centers may apply postage to mail

of NAFIs of the Department of Defense providing the NAFI pays the USPS for the

postage. Unless specifically otherwise authorized by the local commander, the NAFI

must deposit the cost of the postage directly into the USPS-owned trust account

specified by the official mail center.

C1.4.2. Material not covered by the Private Express Statutes and delivered by a

method other than the USPS, such as FEDEX, UPS, AIRBORNE and other private

carriers. The appropriate postage shall be applied to items covered by the Private

Express Statutes, before turning them over to a private carrier for delivery. (See

DL1.1.41., above, for a list of the Private Express Statutes and exemptions/suspensions.)

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

19 CHAPTER 1

C1.4.3. Non-mailable items, such as items that are undersized and oversized,

overweight, or explosive. Obtain information about items that are not mailable from

the local post office. Also, contact private carriers to determine if they can accept

items that are prohibited in the U.S. Mail.

C1.4.4. Postcards, unless the cards are DoD or DoD Component-approved forms.

C1.4.5. Information sent by DoD Components about non-mandatory events. Use

the official mail center, the installation bulletin or newspaper, or other methods to

distribute this type of information.

C1.4.6. Invitations to social functions to satisfy personal social obligations, even if

they are the result of an official position. For example, Christmas parties and

receptions hosted by senior commanders are not official business. Appropriated fund

postage shall not be used to mail invitations to these functions.

C1.4.7. Personal congratulatory letters from one individual to another in a private

capacity. This does not prohibit the use of appropriated fund postage by heads of staff

agencies or commanders to fulfill their official morale and esprit de corps obligations

to members of their organization or persons in their areas of technical responsibility.

For example, sending congratulatory letters to people selected for advanced schooling,

promotions, and letters of condolence are authorized.

C1.4.8. Resumes and completed employment applications. Comptroller General

of the United States Decision B-249061, May 17, 1993 (reference (i)), defines

personal expenses as expenses "...necessary to qualify [an] employee for his or her

job...." The submission of a job application is a personal expense as it is the first

qualifier in attaining any job.

C1.4.9. Personal mail, holiday and birthday greetings, unofficial retirement

announcements, and similar material. However, activities may use appropriated fund

postage for holiday greetings when international diplomacy dictates.

C1.4.10. Correspondence from international commands such as North Atlantic

Treaty Organization official correspondence. This mail normally must be prepaid in the

country in which it is posted. When appropriated fund postage is provided, the

administrative agent assigned by DoD Instruction 7000.14-R, Vol 11A (reference (j)) is

responsible for procuring and monitoring its use.

C1.4.11. Correspondence of foreign military personnel. Foreign military

personnel who are required by regulations of their own government to file reports or

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

20 CHAPTER 1

otherwise correspond with their embassy or government shall do so at their expense.

However, appropriated fund postage may be used if the parent U.S. Government activity

determines the correspondence is official mail relating solely to the business of the

U.S. Government.

C1.4.12. Mail posted in foreign post offices shall bear the postage of the country

where it is mailed unless there is a bilateral agreement that has special procedures for

accepting DoD mail with U.S. postage.

C1.4.13. Anything mailed by vendors or concessionaires or their employees. This

does not preclude use authorized by paragraph C1.3.3., above.

C1.4.14. Fund or other types of charity drives not officially endorsed by the

Department of Defense or the DoD Component concerned.

C1.4.15. Unofficial biographies and unit histories.

C1.4.16. Dependent school year books, Navy Cruise Books, and other unofficial

items such as announcement cards, thank you cards, memory albums, and biographies.

C1.4.17. Announcements and attendance responses related to DoD Component

branch anniversary parties and similar events.

C1.4.18. Mailings by or for private associations, such as unit associations, wives

clubs, Boy Scouts, Association of the United States Army, and the Air Force

Association.

C1.4.19. Mailing matter donated by individuals for donation to other individuals or

charitable organizations.

C1.4.20. Social events related to the reassignment or resignation of individuals not

in command positions.

C1.4.21. RSVP items. The rate of return on these items is too low to justify the

expense of pre-paying the postage on each item.

C1.4.22. Mailing costs associated with payment of Government travel credit card

billings. Travelers are automatically reimbursed for these costs in the part of the per

diem that covers incidental expenses. (NOTE: Refer people with questions about this

to www.dtic.mil/perdiem/ and advise them to search on "card billings."

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

21 CHAPTER 1

C1.4.23. All other matters not related solely to the business of the Department of

Defense.

C1.4.24. Use the decision diagram at Figure C1.F1. to determine if appropriated

fund postage may be used in cases not covered by this Manual.

C1.5. COST REDUCTION TIPS

C1.5.1. Ask the following about all mailings:

C1.5.1.1. What will happen if the item is not mailed?

C1.5.1.2. What will happen if the item is mailed less frequently?

C1.5.1.3. Do all the addressees need to receive the item?

C1.5.1.4. Can some other less expensive means of transporting the message

or item be used? (For example: telephone call, electronic data transfer, the Internet or

Web, E-mail, freight, small parcel carrier.)

C1.5.1.5. Can it be combined or transported with something else?

C1.5.1.6. Is it being mailed at the lowest postal rate legally possible that

meets the required delivery date (RDD) and security requirements?

C1.5.1.7. Can postage costs be reduced by reducing weight or size? Consider

microform or CD-ROM alternatives for mailing publications and other items. Reduce

weight by printing on both sides of paper, selecting the lightest weight paper, and using

all available printing space.

C1.5.1.8. Can postage costs be reduced by changing preparation methods?

C1.5.2. Use standard, letter-size envelopes whenever possible to minimize postage

surcharges for size or weight and faster delivery. Use large envelopes only when

folding the contents will damage them or the volume is too great for letter-size

envelopes.

C1.5.3. Limit use of merchandise return, business reply mail, and special services

such as registered, certified, and insured.

C1.5.4. Limit use of Express Mail per section C1.10., below.

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

22 CHAPTER 1

C1.5.5. Prepare items so they qualify for postage discounts when economically

feasible.

C1.5.6. Use post cards whenever possible. The postage on a post card is

significantly less than a letter. DMM C100.2 (reference (f)) specifies post card

dimensions and thickness.

C1.5.7. Annually review recurring mailings for continued necessity.

C1.5.8. Update mailing lists as changes occur.

C1.5.9. Consolidate mailings to common addresses. Prepare according to the

DMM C100.1.3. and C600.1.2.

C1.5.10. Require adequate printing time to allow economical mail service.

C1.5.11. Be sure that contracts for printing and distribution contain specifications

for using the most economical mailing services consistent with the priority of the case.

C1.5.12. Use computer output formats that make maximum use of available print

space to reduce the weight of mailings.

C1.5.13. Use drop-shipments for zone-rated mail when cost effective.

C1.5.14. When possible, use FAX instead of mail for documents three pages in

length or less. Mail documents addressed to multiple addressees when the labor to fax

them is greater than preparing them for mailing. Mail copies of documents that are

faxed only when an original signature is required for legal reasons.

C1.6. SELECTING A CARRIER

C1.6.1. "Letters," as defined by the Private Express Statutes, and those items listed

in DMM G011.4, shall be transported via USPS unless they are covered by an

exemption. (See DL1.1.41. for a list of the Private Express Statutes and

exemptions/suspensions.)

C1.6.2. All items not required to be shipped through the USPS (see paragraph

C1.6.1., above) shall be shipped by the most cost-effective carrier meeting the RDD and

security requirements. In addition to carriers' fees, consideration must be given to how

much it costs to prepare the item for shipment via the various carriers and whether or

not the carrier delivers the item directly to the addressee but charges for it.

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

23 CHAPTER 1

C1.6.3. When mailed, official matter shall move at the lowest postage and fees

cost to meet the RDD, security, accountability, and Private Express Statutes

requirements.

C1.6.4. Use of USPS services shall be coordinated with local USPS account

representatives, USPS Business Service Centers, or military post office (MPO).

C1.7. SELECTING CLASS OF MAIL

The "Domestic Mail Classification Selection Table," Table C1.T1., shall be used as a

guide in selecting the correct mail class. The DMM (reference (f)) and International

Mail Manual (IMM) (reference (k)) provide specific guidance for types of items that

may be mailed under each class of mail.

C1.8. SELECTING SPECIAL MAIL SERVICES.

The Government Losses in Shipment Act (40 U.S.C. 726) (reference (l)) and the

Government's general self-insurance policy prohibit Federal Agencies from using

registered and insured mail for the sole or primary purpose of obtaining postal

indemnity. Claims shall not be made against the USPS for indemnity on items lost or

damaged in the mail. However, Comptroller General of the United States Decision, 58

Comptroller General 14 (1978), (reference (m)) allows the Government to use

registered or numbered insured mail to obtain the "special" services they offer such as

added protection or proof of delivery. Limit the use of the special services to when

law or DoD Regulation requires them or when mission essential. Items listed below as

authorized for a special service may be sent without the special service or by a less

costly special service. However, a more costly special service shall not be used.

(Example: An item authorized certified service shall not be sent by registered mail.)

Internal receipts shall be used instead of PS Form 3811, "Return Receipt," or other

special services whenever possible. The Heads of the DoD Components are authorized

to approve the use of these services on an exception basis. This authority may not be

delegated lower than installation or equivalent activity official mail manager (OMM).

The following are DoD-wide authorized uses:

C1.8.1. Registered. See the DMM S911 (reference (f)) for preparation, fees,

etc. Official mail is registered for security, not indemnity. The full value must be

declared on registered articles and the appropriate registration fee paid. Do not

estimate a value for classified and other items not having intrinsic value. In these cases,

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

24 CHAPTER 1

pay the minimum registry fee. Waybills, invoices, etc shall be placed inside the

package, not attached to the outside. Registered may be used for:

C1.8.1.1. Criminal investigation evidence.

C1.8.1.2. Cash, original vouchers (disbursing and collecting), and voided or

canceled checks.

C1.8.1.3. One-of-a-kind, irreplaceable, sensitive, controlled, rare, or pilferable

items and items having a replacement cost in excess of $5,000. Such items include but

are not limited to calibration equipment, supply items, historical matter (including film),

library materials, original manuscripts and camera-ready mechanicals and art work.

C1.8.1.4. Mailable shipments of Government-owned firearms.

C1.8.1.5. Commercial transportation tickets, boarding passes, and Air Mobility

Command authorizations when personal delivery or pickup is not possible.

C1.8.1.6. Classified documents as required by DoD 5200.1-R (reference (n))

and DoD Component directives.

C1.8.1.7. Accountable forms when addressed to military post office's (MPOs).

C1.8.1.8. Environmental samples.

C1.8.1.9. Notification of radiation exposure.

C1.8.1.10. Mailing former evidence to its owner.

C1.8.1.11. Mobilization preassignment orders to international addresses

where this service is authorized.

C1.8.1.12. Deceased personnel's personal effects having intrinsic value being

sent to the next of kin. The value of the items must be declared. This is necessary for

reimbursement in the event of loss or damage. Indemnity paid for loss or damage of

personal effects shall be forwarded to the next of kin.

C1.8.1.13. Other communications and parcels that by law, DoD Directive, or

DoD Component directive must be registered.

C1.8.2. Certified. See DMM S912 for definition, preparation, fees, etc. Certified

may be used for:

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

25 CHAPTER 1

C1.8.2.1. Letters to establishments being declared "off limits."

C1.8.2.2. Adverse enlisted and officer efficiency reports and other similar

actions.

C1.8.2.3. Controlled test material.

C1.8.2.4. Instructional material marked "For Faculty Use Only."

C1.8.2.5. Items requiring shipment by Priority Mail when the certified fee is

less than the fee for other services that provide proof of delivery.

C1.8.2.6. Equal employment opportunity case material mailed to complainants

and their representatives.

C1.8.2.7. Reduction-in-force notices sent to civilian employees on authorized

absence.

C1.8.2.8. Final decisions of a contracting officer issued under the dispute

clause of a Government contract.

C1.8.2.9. Show cause or cure notices issued under the default clause of a

Government contract.

C1.8.2.10. Claims and litigation proceedings documents.

C1.8.2.11. Any other communication for which receipts are essential to

create or preserve rights granted to the United States under a Government contract.

C1.8.2.12. Debarment letters.

C1.8.2.13. Delayed entry packets.

C1.8.2.14. Summonses and subpoenas.

C1.8.2.15. Adverse personnel actions for military and civilian personnel.

C1.8.2.16. Illegally held identification cards.

C1.8.2.17. Traffic or driving violations.

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

26 CHAPTER 1

C1.8.2.18. Letters of revocation or suspension of installation driving

privileges.

C1.8.2.19. Dishonored checks (not applicable to non-appropriated fund

Instrumentalities).

C1.8.2.20. Questionnaires to injured persons.

C1.8.2.21. The following legal matters:

C1.8.2.21.1. Records of trial for all Special and General Courts Martial.

C1.8.2.21.2. Decisions of the courts of military review.

C1.8.2.21.3. Officer elimination cases.

C1.8.2.21.4. Any other communication, receipt of which is essential to

create or preserve the rights granted to the U.S. Government in connection with

criminal proceedings.

C1.8.2.22. Other communications and parcels that by law, DoD Directive, or

DoD Component directive must be certified.

C1.8.3. Unnumbered insured mail is delivered as ordinary mail and shall not be

used. No exceptions shall be granted.

C1.8.4. Numbered insured mail may be used only:

C1.8.4.1. For accountability reasons when proof of delivery is required for

valuable administrative or logistical equipment, supplies, and printed matter.

C1.8.4.2. To return borrowed library and similar items when required by the

non-DoD lender.

C1.8.5. Proof of Delivery. A PS Form 3811, "Return Receipt," or DD Form 2825,

"Internal Receipt," may be used for proof of delivery. See Figure C1.F2., and paragraphs

C1.8.5.1. and C1.8.5.2., below.

C1.8.5.1. DD Form 2825 shall normally be used between DoD activities

instead of PS Form 3811. When DD Form 2825 is used, the addressee shall

immediately verify the contents are all there, sign the original copy, and return the

original copy to the sender. The sending activity shall take follow up action to

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

27 CHAPTER 1

determine if the item was received if the DD Form 2825 is not returned within 14

workdays from the date of dispatch (unless the normal two-way transit time is longer).

(NOTE: Delivery Confirmation may be more cost-effective where it is available.)

C1.8.5.2. PS Forms 3811:

C1.8.5.2.1. PS Forms 3811 show the date and to whom the item was

delivered and the actual delivery address if it is different from the address used by the

sender. PS Form 3811 may also be used to restrict an article's delivery to the

addressee (or his or her agent) when proof is necessary that the addressee personally

received the item. A PS Form 3811 may be used only on Express Mail, numbered

insured, registered, and certified mail when the use of DD Form 2825 is not

appropriate. PS Form 3811 shall not be used on articles enclosed in consolidated

containers unless the postage and special service fee are prepaid on the item they are on.

C1.8.5.2.2. See DMM R900 (reference (f)) for fees and DMM S911

(reference (f)) for preparation requirements. Since most of these items are delivered,

it is much less expensive to pay the larger charge for PS Form 3811-A, "Request for

Return Receipt (After Mailing)," on the few items not delivered than to pay for a PS

Form 3811 on every item mailed. Extensive use of PS Forms 3811-A indicates a

system problem needing correction.

C1.8.5.3. PS Form 3804, "Return Receipt for Merchandise," is available only

for merchandise sent at certain rates of postage. PS Form 3804 is less expensive than

using PS Form 3811 and the insured, registered, or certified service, which must be used

with it. However, a receipt is obtained every time this service is used. Filing such

receipts is labor intensive and costly. See DMM R900 (reference (f)) for fees and

Section S900 (reference (f)) for preparation requirements.

C1.9. MARKINGS

All mail, except letter-size First-Class Mail, shall be marked to show the mail class.

Items mailed as Priority Mail must have either USPS Label 106 (Priority Mail Strip),

Label 106-A (Priority Mail (tape)), Label 107 (Priority Mail Sticker), or Label 107-R

(Priority Mail Sticker) attached. (See "Domestic Mail Classes, Endorsements, and

Levels of Service Table" (Table C1.T2.). For International Mail, see section C1.13.)

The markings shall be worded and placed as required by the DMM (reference (f)) and

IMM (reference (k)) Official mail centers shall either return to the originator all mail,

except letter-size First-Class Mail, that is not marked with a mail class or contact the

originator to determine the contents so the appropriate mail class may be selected.

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

28 CHAPTER 1

C1.9.1. The class of mail endorsements (Priority, Standard, Special Standard, etc.)

are placed about one-fourth of an inch below the postage meter imprint or postage

stamp. They should be 1/4 to 1/2 inch high.

C1.9.2. Place markings for special services (registered, certified, etc.) above the

address and to the right of the return address. See DMM S911 (reference (f)).

C1.10. EXPRESS MAIL

C1.10.1. Express Mail and the overnight services offered by other carriers shall

not be used:

C1.10.1.1. To respond to directed actions or requests for information unless

using it is the only way to meet a short suspense. In the event of a short suspense, call

the one who established the suspense and request an extension. Extensions should be

granted when possible.

C1.10.1.2. For the purpose of correcting administrative oversights such as a

late suspense when adequate time existed.

C1.10.1.3. On days before weekends or holidays unless the sender has

verified someone will be available to accept it and work on it during the weekend or

holiday. This does not apply to activities having an MPO return address when Express

Mail is the most cost-effective way to accomplish a mission within time, security and

accountability requirements.

C1.10.2. Installation OMMs or their equivalents are authorized to approve the use

of overnight services.

C1.10.3. Selection of Carrier

C1.10.3.1. Express Mail shall be used only when the contents are covered by

the Private Express Statutes or addressed to an MPO address or post office box address.

C1.10.3.2. The General Services Administration's (GSA) contract carrier shall

be used when the contract carrier can deliver the item in the required delivery time and

at the contract price without violating the Private Express Statutes. The contract

carrier shall not be used for items addressed to MPO addresses.

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

29 CHAPTER 1

C1.10.3.3. Other overnight carriers may be used only when the GSA contract

carrier can not deliver the item on time or at the contract price.

C1.10.4. Postage on Express Mail shall be paid by using postage meter imprints,

postage stamps, or by placing an Express Mail Corporate Account number in the

customer number block on the Express Mail label. These accounts are only authorized

at the user level. MACOM-wide or DoD Component-wide accounts defeat the

decentralized budgeting and payment of postage policy and are not authorized.

C1.10.5. Every piece of incoming Express Mail shall be examined to see if it

meets delivery time guarantees. When it does not, send the mailer a copy of the

addressee's copy of the Express Mail label and remind the mailer to request a refund.

The mailer shall submit PS Form 3533, "Application and Voucher for Refund of Postage

and Fees," when Express Mail items are not available when promised. PS Form 3533 is

available from post offices. Establish local procedures to control refunds.

C1.10.6. Express Mail service is not available to and from all MPOs. Contact the

local post office for availability information.

C1.10.7. Many Post Offices do not deliver to the addressee at DoD addresses,

even when that service has been paid for. When that is true, use another carrier or Post

Office to Post Office Service instead of the more costly Post Office to Addressee

Service. Check with the addressee in advance to determine the best and most

cost-efficient service to select.

C1.11. REPLY MAIL METHODS

C1.11.1. Courtesy Reply Mail

C1.11.1.1. Courtesy reply mail consists of an envelope, card, or label bearing

the correct preprinted delivery address, bar code, and Facing Identification Mark (FIM).

The one placing the item in the mail provides the return address and postage.

C1.11.1.2. Courtesy reply ensures use of the correct address.

C1.11.1.3. Some suggested uses:

C1.11.1.3.1. Many DoD activities have small, subordinate offices.

Courtesy reply mail items provide a convenient method for the subordinate office to

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

30 CHAPTER 1

communicate with the main office. Items having preprinted addresses and bar codes

also move through the mail faster.

C1.11.1.3.2. Return of surveys and questionnaires.

C1.11.1.3.3. Return of correspondence course-related items.

C1.11.1.3.4. Internal receipts.

C1.11.2. Pre-metered and Pre-stamped Reply Mail shall:

C1.11.2.1. Be placed only on items for a known requirement. For example: If

a mailing of 500 pieces is going to be made, place postage only on 500 pieces.

C1.11.2.2. Be addressed to a DoD activity.

C1.11.2.3. Be used only when all of the following conditions are met:

C1.11.2.3.1. A reply is requested on official business from an activity or

individual outside the U.S. Government who is not required by law to reply.

C1.11.2.3.2. The receipt of the reply is in the best interest of the U.S.

Government.

C1.11.2.3.3. The cost is less than business reply mail or merchandise

return service. Paragraph C1.11.3.1.7., below, explains how to calculate it.

C1.11.2.4. Not be used for fund or other types of charity drives officially

endorsed by the Department of Defense or the DoD Component concerned.

C1.11.2.5. Pre-metered reply mail shall be prepared per the DMM P030.1.5

(reference (f)).

C1.11.3. Merchandise Return and Business Reply Mail

C1.11.3.1. Merchandise return service (MRS) and business reply mail (BRM)

shall:

C1.11.3.1.1. Be addressed to a DoD activity.

C1.11.3.1.2. Be used only when a reply is requested on official business

from an activity or individual outside the U.S. Government who is not required by law to

reply and when the receipt of the reply is in the best interest of the U.S. Government.

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

31 CHAPTER 1

C1.11.3.1.3. Not be used to receive responses from DoD activities or

personnel except retired personnel, Reservists not assigned to a unit, or when the

activity OMM determines this is the most cost-effective method to return

correspondence course materials. DoD activities can return these items at their own

expense through their official mail center and save the U.S. Government the applicable

accounting fee. These items should be placed in consolidated mail whenever possible.

C1.11.3.1.4. Not be used for fund or other types of charity drives

officially endorsed by the Department of Defense or the DoD Component concerned.

C1.11.3.1.5. Shall be used only when it will likely be less expensive than

providing pre-metered or pre-stamped postage or when the DMM P030.1.5 (reference

(f)) does not allow use of pre-metered postage. The information given below can be

used to determine whether or not to establish a permit or an account and whether or not

to use BRM on a mailing even after a permit or permit/account has been established.

C1.11.3.1.6. The cost for each method must be calculated to determine

which method is less expensive for a particular mailing. The outcome is affected by the

number of reply pieces sent out, the percentage of reply pieces expected back, the

postage per piece returned, the amount of the permit or permit/account fee, whether the

permit or permit/account fee has already been paid, and the amount of the accounting

fee per item returned.

C1.11.3.1.7. Compute the costs by using the formulas in this paragraph.

C1.11.3.1.7.1. The symbols used in the formulas are defined as

follows:

A = Expected percentage of return for the mailing.

D = Total cost for pre-metered or pre-stamped return postage.

F = Flat fee for permit or permit/account.

I = Accounting fee per piece returned.

P1 = Postage cost per piece sent out.

P2 = Postage cost per piece returned.

R = Cost reduction created by using BRM/MRS.

S = Number of reply pieces to be mailed out.

T = Estimated total dollar cost for BRM/MRS.

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

32 CHAPTER 1

C1.11.3.1.7.2. Compute the pre-metered or pre-stamped dollar cost

by using the formula D = P1*S. (NOTE: Enter the average cost if the postage is zone

rated.)

C1.11.3.1.7.3. The estimated total dollar cost for BRM/MRS is

computed using the formula T = (((A/100)*S)*(P2+I))+F. (NOTE: Enter a zero if the

permit/account fee has already been paid.)

C1.11.3.1.7.4. The amount of cost reduction created by using

BRM/MRS is calculated using the formula R = D - T.

EXAMPLE:

The following are given:

Anticipated percentage of return for the mailing:emsp; A = 80%

BRM permit fee and accounting fee: F =$400

Accounting fee per piece returned: I = $0.08

Postage cost per piece sent: P1 = $0.33

Postage cost per piece returned: P2 = $0.33

Number of reply pieces to be mailed out: S = 5,000

Using the formula in C1.11.3.7.2., above, the pre-metered or pre-stamped cost is

$1,650.00.

Using the formula in C1.11.3.7.3., above, the estimated total cost for BRM/MRS is

$2,040.00.

Using the formula in C1.11.3.7.4., above, the cost reduction by using BRM/MRS is

-$390.00. (In this example, the cost to use BRM/MRS is $390.00 more than

pre-metered or pre-stamped postage.) (NOTE: If the $400.00 BRM permit fee and

accounting fee were previously paid for some other mailing, the cost to use BRM on

this mailing is $10.00 less than the pre-metered or pre-stamped cost.)

C1.11.3.2. BRM:

C1.11.3.2.1. Is charged at the First-Class or Priority Mail rate plus a

per-piece accounting fee.

C1.11.3.2.2. The Qualified Business Reply Mail Rate shall be used

whenever possible (see DMM R100 (reference (f)) for more information.).

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

33 CHAPTER 1

C1.11.3.2.3. Shall be prepared per the DMM S922.4 through S922.6

(reference (f)).

C1.11.3.2.4. The card format shall be used when possible.

C1.11.3.2.5. Art work for BRM pieces shall be coordinated with the post

office to insure proper format prior to printing.

C1.11.3.3. MRS:

C1.11.3.3.1. Shall not be used until USPS assigns a permit number.

C1.11.3.3.2. Is charged at the appropriate Priority or Standard Mail rate

plus a per-piece accounting fee.

C1.11.3.3.3. Shall be prepared per DMM S923.5 (reference (f)).

C1.12. DROP-SHIPMENT

Under a drop-shipment, the mailer enters the items into the USPS at the delivering post

office rather than the mailer's post office. The mailer provides and pays for the

transportation to move the items to the delivering post office and applies local zone

postage. The transportation cost plus local zone postage can be less expensive than

postage from the mailer to the addressee on zone-rated mail. The instructions for

drop-shipments are found in various DMM sections. All drop-shipments of items

addressed to MPOs shall be entered into the mail stream at a USPS operated facility,

not a postal facility operated by the military. Such drop-shipments may be made to

USPS facilities in the appropriate military post office gateway cities (New York, Miami,

and San Francisco).

C1.13. INTERNATIONAL MAIL

C1.13.1. Postal Union mail: All official correspondence (letters and cards) may

be sent as airmail. Packages containing official matter may be sent as airmail if the

urgency in delivery justifies the costly airmail letter rates.

C1.13.2. Parcel post shall be sent only as surface mail.

C1.13.3. Special delivery may be used only for delivery in countries where special

delivery is the only reliable means of ensuring prompt delivery.

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

34 CHAPTER 1

C1.13.4. Consult the IMM (reference (k)) or local post office for applicable

postage, customs tags, special services, and restrictions before preparation for mailing.

C1.14. NONPROFIT AND SUBSIDIZED RATES

The Department of Defense is not authorized to send mail at nonprofit or subsidized

rates (i.e., special bulk Standard rates, Library rates, and the following Periodicals rates;

in country, special nonprofit classroom, science of agriculture, limited circulation, and

limited circulation science of agriculture).

C1.15. REPORTING MISUSE OF APPROPRIATED FUND POSTAGE

Unauthorized use of appropriated fund postage shall be:

C1.15.1. Reported to the commanders of the individuals involved for appropriate

investigation.

C1.15.2. Reviewed to determine any appropriate reimbursement of postage and

fees. Legal or administrative action shall be taken to obtain reimbursement when

appropriate.

C1.16. FORMS OF POSTAGE.

Some forms of postage affect how a mail piece is designed. Before designing and

printing mail pieces or address labels, contact the local official mail manager to make

sure the selected form of postage is applicable and that necessary permits and postage

funds are available. The various forms of postage and their general applicability follow:

C1.16.1. Permit

C1.16.1.1. Permit mailings shall be used, when cost effective, on large

volume mailings of identical size and weight. Contact your official mail manager prior

to preparing any camera-ready copy or doing any printing. Permit formats and

instructions are in DMM P040 (reference (f)) for prepaid postage.

C1.16.1.2. Permit mail entered in the USPS on behalf of a DoD activity by a

contractor shall bear the DoD activity's return address, not the contractors'.

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

35 CHAPTER 1

C1.16.1.3. USPS requires advance notice on all permit mailings. Postage and

fees are recorded on the USPS forms presented with the mailing.

C1.16.1.4. Manifest postage systems use a permit and are applicable where

large volumes of parcels and letters are mailed. They need not be of a uniform size and

weight. A computer is required. Contact your local USPS account representative or

Business Service Center for details.

C1.16.1.5. Permit mailings are not authorized at MPOs.

C1.16.2. Metered Postage

C1.16.2.1. Metered postage shall be used to the maximum extent possible on

mail that cannot be sent under a permit.

C1.16.2.2. Requests for permission to use logos and slogans on ad plates in

postage meters shall be prepared and submitted according to DoD Component directive

applying to logos and slogans.

C1.16.2.3. Chapter 2 sets forth procedures for controlling and safeguarding

postage meters.

C1.16.3. PC Postage and Postage Stamps

C1.16.3.1. Postage stamps or PC Postage shall be used by activities that do

not generate enough mail to justify the leasing or purchasing of metering equipment and

on items not qualifying for permit postage or pre-metered postage.

C1.16.3.2. Chapter 2 sets forth procedures for ordering, controlling, and

safeguarding these items.

C1.16.4. BRM and MRS. These forms of postage have special design

requirements. Contact your official mail manager prior to preparing any camera-ready

copy or doing any printing. BRM formats and instructions are in DMM S922

(reference (f)) for prepaid postage. MRS formats and instructions are in DMM S923

(reference (f)) for prepaid postage.

C1.16.5. DoD Official Intratheater Mail (DoDIM). Items mailed from one MPO

to another MPO in the same theater shall have "DoD Official Intratheater Mail" or

"DoDIM" typewritten, rubber stamped, or mechanically printed in the area where the

postage and fees for special services normally would be placed on U.S. Mail. It can be

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

36 CHAPTER 1

used on all classes of mail. It will be treated and processed within the Military Postal

Service as if postage and fees had been paid on it. Claims may be made and will be

processed in accordance with normal procedures up to the point of making payments.

Payments shall not be made for lost or damaged items or refunds of postage. Tell the

claimants whether the item was signed out by the delivering MPO and who signed for

it. In the case of registered mail, claimants shall be told where and when it was last

signed for.

C1.16.6. Postage Due Penalty Mail. DoD activities may be authorized to use

Postage Due Penalty Mail under conditions specified in Chapter 2. Authorizations to

use "Free Mail" (for personal mail) do not apply to Postage Due Penalty Mail. Postage

Due Penalty Mail shall be prepared per the DMM E060.5.7 (reference (f)). Postage

Due Penalty Mail SHALL NOT BE USED to notify next of kin of casualties.

C1.17. MAILING LISTS

C1.17.1. Update addresses in mailing lists as changes become known, and at least

annually, to remove addressees no longer needing the material being mailed, to

minimize delivery delays, and to avoid undeliverable mail that wastes postage and

printing costs.

C1.17.2. Effective July 1, 2002, all DoD-provided addresses and address lists shall

be matched against appropriate USPS Address Management System files using Coding

Accuracy Support System (CASS) software. Addresses that do not match shall be

corrected or removed prior to delivering the address or list to the requestor. USPS

Account representatives and Postal Business Service Centers can provide more

information on how to have addresses and lists matched.

C1.18. RETURN AND DELIVERY ADDRESSES

Incorrect and unreadable addresses are the same as no address. They waste postage and

delay the ultimate delivery of the item being shipped. The item being shipped may

neither be delivered nor returned to the sender when both the return and delivery

addresses are incorrect, unreadable, or missing. See Chapter 3 for information on the

assignment, format, printing, and uses of addresses within the Department of Defense.

C1.19. ENVELOPES AND PACKAGING

C1.19.1. General

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

37 CHAPTER 1

C1.19.1.1. All matter shall be packaged and marked in accordance with the

requirements of the DMM C010 (reference (f)). See DMM C020 (reference (f)) for

information on the shipment of perishables, hazardous materials, restricted matter and

non-mailable articles and substances. If in doubt, consult the local post office, account

representative, or Postal Business Service Center.

C1.19.1.2. Envelopes, mailing tubes, and other containers shall:

C1.19.1.2.1. Be only slightly larger than the material being mailed to

minimize movement within the envelope or container. The more the contents can

move, the greater the chances for damage to the contents or containers.

C1.19.1.2.2. Large enough for adequate cushioning on all sides of fragile

contents.

C1.19.1.2.3. Bear only those logos, markings, slogans, or designs

supporting an activity or its program authorized in accordance with DoD Component

directives covering such items and the DMM P030.4.13 (reference (f)). When

authorized, these items shall be placed and printed in a manner that does not interfere

with automated mail processing.

C1.19.1.3. Does the envelope or address label:

C1.19.1.3.1. Contain complete delivery and return addresses with ZIP+4

Codes?

C1.19.1.3.2. Have the proper mail classification endorsement and

appropriate special service marking been correctly placed on the mail piece or address

label?

C1.19.2. Letters and Flats

C1.19.2.1. All self-mailers shall be coordinated with the OMM and USPS

Business Service Center to make sure the DMM (reference (f)) requirements for

automated mail processing are met. Improperly prepared self-mailers catch on

automated mail processing equipment resulting in damage to the self-mailer, other mail,

and the equipment.

C1.19.2.2. Envelopes

C1.19.2.2.1. Uses:

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

38 CHAPTER 1

C1.19.2.2.1.1. Letter-size envelopes can hold six sheets of paper and

shall be used whenever possible. Letter-size envelopes are defined in the DL1.1.20.

C1.19.2.2.1.2. Envelopes printed with airmail (red and white candy

striped) markings shall be used only for international mail. These envelopes should be

purchased only by activities frequently using large amounts of international airmail.

C1.19.2.2.1.3. Flat-size envelopes are defined in the DL1.1.16. Use

flats only when:

C1.19.2.2.1.3.1. The envelope and its contents weigh more than

one ounce when First-Class or Standard Mail is used. A surcharge must be paid on such

items weighing one ounce or less.

C1.19.2.2.1.3.2. The contents will be damaged by folding.

C1.19.2.2.1.3.3. The thickness of the contents and envelope

would exceed 1/4 inch if folded and placed in a letter-size envelope.

C1.19.2.2.1.4. Those activities with a recurring need for First-Class

flats should use envelopes with a green diamond border. Limit their use to items

authorized First-Class service. USPS employees recognize the green diamond border

as First-Class Mail and treat it accordingly.

C1.19.2.2.2. Specifications:

C1.19.2.2.2.1. White envelope material shall be selected when that

choice is available. When white material is not available, the lightest shade available

shall be used. See U.S. Postal Service Publication 25, "Designing Letter and Reply

Mail," (reference (o)) for additional requirements.

C1.19.2.2.2.2. Use only black or dark blue ink for printing on

envelopes. The ink shall not be fluorescent or phosphorescent. See U.S. Postal

Service Publication 25 (reference (o)) for additional requirements.

C1.19.2.2.2.3. Most automatic sealing or metering machines cannot

seal envelope flaps extending more than 3 inches from the fold and flaps on the ends of

envelopes. V-shaped flaps work best. Purchase only envelopes the machine can seal.

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

39 CHAPTER 1

C1.19.2.2.2.4. Envelopes with clasps, staples, strings, buttons, or

similar securing devices shall not be used as they frequently jam automated mail

processing equipment, injure employees, or damage other mail.

C1.19.2.2.2.5. Windows in envelopes shall be placed so the longest

dimension of the window is parallel to the longest dimension of the envelope.

(Windows placed so the longest dimension of the window is parallel to the shortest

dimension of the envelope automatically result in a nonstandard mail piece and a

surcharge must be paid. Nonstandard is defined in DL1.1.29.) Items placed in window

envelopes shall be prepared so that only the address is visible through the window and

shall be large enough so they do not move around in the envelope. See USPS

Publication 25 (reference (o)) for additional requirements concerning opacity of the

inserts and relationship of the address to the window.

C1.19.3. Parcels

C1.19.3.1. Use mailing tubes only when no other container will protect the

item being mailed. Mailing tubes are heavy, hard to handle, and expensive to buy and

mail.

C1.19.3.2. Is the carton or shipping container:

C1.19.3.2.1. Inexpensive and light weight?

C1.19.3.2.2. In good, sturdy condition without tears or holes?

C1.19.3.2.3. Strength, as indicated by the manufacturer's seal, suitable for

the weight of the item to be shipped?

C1.19.3.2.4. Are the contents adequately cushioned with light-weight

material so they do not move when the carton is shaken?

C1.19.3.2.5. Is the package properly closed with pressure sensitive,

filament-reinforced tape? Do not use cellophane or masking tape.

C1.19.3.2.6. Not wrapped with brown paper or anything else? (Doing so

is labor intensive and the wrappings are frequently damaged or destroyed during

automated mail processing.)

C1.19.3.3. Are shipboard boxes packed in a sturdier outer container?

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

40 CHAPTER 1

C1.19.3.4. Is the address label:

C1.19.3.4.1. Placed on the top of the package?

C1.19.3.4.2. Easily readable from a distance of 30 inches?

C1.19.3.5. Does the address label:

C1.19.3.5.1. Contain complete delivery and return addresses with ZIP+4

Codes?

C1.19.3.5.2. Have the proper mail classification endorsement and

appropriate special service marking in the correct place?

C1.19.3.5.3. Have the delivery point barcoded when authorized by section

C3.9.?

C1.20. ACCOUNTABLE AND OTHER IMPORTANT ITEMS

C1.20.1. This includes classified material and other items whose distribution needs

to be controlled.

C1.20.1.1. The transfer of these items directly between offices of the same

activity is encouraged. When that is not cost effective, or the items are for external

activities, the items may be transferred through the official mail center (OMC).

C1.20.1.2. Classified items shall be controlled, marked, packaged, and shipped

as required by DoD 5200.1-R (reference (n)).

C1.20.2. Items being transferred through the OMC shall be placed in sealed

containers (envelopes, boxes, sacks, etc).

C1.20.3. The originator of the shipment shall prepare and affix to each item a

Postal Service (PS) PS Label 200-A or 200-B (Registered Mail), PS Form 3800

(Receipt for Certified Mail), or PS Form 3813-P (Receipt for Insured Mail, Domestic

or International). PS Form 3811 (Return Receipt) shall not be used on these items as

the required fee is not paid and they cannot be traced.

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

41 CHAPTER 1

Figure C1.F1. Appropriated Fund Postage Use Decision Tree

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

42 CHAPTER 1

Figure C1.F2. DD Form 2825

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

43 CHAPTER 1

Table C1.T1. Domestic Mail Classification Selection Table

RULE

If matter is

And is mailed

Then it

1 Letter mail and other First-Class matter weighing

13 ounces or less

Within CONUS;

to, from, or

between MPOs,

Shall be sent First-Class

or Express Mail (see note

1).

2 Letter mail and other First-Class matter,

consolidated mailings, or Joint Uniform Military Pay

System (JUMPS) pouches weighing over 13

ounces

Shall be sent Priority or

Express Mail (see note 1).

3 High priority logistics shipments, such as not

mission capable supply (NMCS) and anticipated

not mission capable supply (ANMCS)

May be sent Priority,

First-Class, or Express

Mail.

4 DoD transportation Priority 1 shipments May be sent Priority or

First-Class (see note 2).

5 DoD transportation Priority 2 and 3 shipments Shall be sent Standard

Mail, Parcel Services or

Standard Mail MOM or

Parcel Services MOM (see

note 3).

6 Non-MILSTRIP parcels (for example

unaccompanied baggage, reference documents

or equipment for inspection or assistance teams,

etc.)

Within CONUS

and speed is

needed to meet

RDD,

May be sent First-Class if

13 ounces or less; or

Priority if over 13 ounces

(see note 2).

7 Non-MILSTRIP parcels to, from, or

between MPOs

and speed is

needed to meet

RDD,

May be sent First-Class,

Priority, Standard Mail

MOM or Parcel Services

MOM.

8 All other non-MILSTRIP matter not covered by rules

6 and 7 above

Within CONUS;

to, from, or

between MPOs,

Shall be sent Standard

Mail or Parcel Services.

9 Bulk distribution of classified, accountable, critical

to flying or marine safety; communications

systems publications; immediate action

regulations or directives, or emergency

publications or forms requisitions (see notes 4

and 5)

Within CONUS, May be sent First-Class or

Priority (see note 5).

10 Bulk distribution of publications (including

regulations, manuals, directives, and instructions)

and blank forms not covered in rule 11

Within CONUS;

to, from, or

between MPOs,

Shall be sent freight,

Standard Mail, Standard

Mail Bulk Rate, or Media

Mail.

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

44 CHAPTER 1

Table C1.T1. Domestic Mail Classification Selection Table--Continued

RULE

If matter is

And is mailed

Then it

11 Bulk distribution of classified, accountable,

critical to flying or marine safety;

communications systems publications

to, from, or

between MPOs,

May be sent First-Class or

Priority (see note 5).

12 Bulk distribution of immediate action

regulations or directives, or emergency

publications or forms requisitions

May be sent First-Class,

Priority, or Standard Mail MOM

or Parcel Services MOM.

13 Bulk distribution of periodicals and

newspapers

Within CONUS; to,

from, or between

MPOs,

Shall be sent Periodicals,

Standard Mail, or Special

Standard Mail (see note 6).

14 Single copies of periodicals described in

rule 13 and sent directly to individuals or

organizations

Shall be sent Publications

Rate or Standard Mail.

(See section C1.13. for International Mail)

NOTES

1. These items are covered by the Private Express Statutes.

2. Regardless of service paid, USPS generally moves mail by surface to addressees within 200 miles of

point of origin. Standard Mail postage with "Special Handling" may be less expensive than First-Class or

Priority mail and provides preferential handling to the extent practical in dispatch and transportation. See

DMM S930 (reference (f))

3. Military Ordinary Mail (MOM) service is available only on mail addressed to or sent from an MPO.

4. Other publications or blank forms shall not be included as filler.

5. Material shall be prepared for mailing in accordance with DoD 5200.1-R and appropriate DoD

Component directives.

6. The Heads of the DoD Components may approve exceptions to use MOM on shipments from the

continental United States (CONUS) to overseas active duty target audience addresses after determining the

material is time sensitive and faster delivery is needed to support an internal information program.

First-Class and Priority mail shall not be used.

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

45 CHAPTER 1

Table C1.T2. Domestic Mail Classes, Endorsements, and Levels of Service

A B C D E

Approx. Transit Time

(days)

ITEM Classification Endorsement Mode of

Transportation

Domestic To and from

MPOs

1 Express Mail None, USPS Express

Mail Label is used

Airlift Overnight 2 to 3 (where

available)

2 First-Class (1

through 13 ounces)

First-Class Airlift (see note 1) 3 7

3 First-Class (over 13

ounces)

Priority (See note 2) 3 7

4 Requester Periodical (see DMM E212.4) Surface 8 30

5 Requester Periodical

MOM

(see note 3) Surface and airlift

(see note 2)

NA 10

6 Standard Mail Standard Mail Surface 8 30

7 Special Standard

Mail

Special Standard Mail

8 Standard Mail MOM Standard Mail MOM Surface and airlift

(see note 2)

NA 10

9 Special Standard

Mail MOM

Special Standard Mail

MOM

NOTES

1. Normally, by surface to destinations within 200 miles from point of origin or point of entry into the USPS

from an MPO.

2. Items endorsed MOM move by surface transportation in the United States and by air on overseas

portions of the trip. The postage paid on MOM is less than Priority Mail; however, the transportation charge

for the overseas portions of its trip is the same as Priority Mail. Delivery time to any MPO may be almost as

fast as Priority Mail and rarely exceeds 10 days. Whenever possible, MOM shall be used instead of Priority

Mail for other than First-Class matter. MOM is available only to, from, and between MPOs. MOM is not

available within or between Alaska, Hawaii, Kwajalein, Wake Island, Johnston Island, Puerto Rico, and

CONUS but is available between these locations and MPOs.

3. See DMM E010.3 (reference (f)).

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

46 CHAPTER 1

C2. CHAPTER 2

MAIL CENTER OPERATIONS

C2.1. PURPOSE

This Chapter sets forth the policies and procedures for the operation of official mail

centers. It includes planning, mail processing, employees, postage procurement,

security, dealings with the post office, consolidated mail, postage meters, postage

stamps, emergency disposition of postage stamps and meters, postage due penalty mail,

change of address, contracting out, personal and unsolicited mail.

C2.2. PLANNING

C2.2.1. Five-Year Plan. Each mail center shall have a 5-year plan that includes a

vision statement regarding what the official mail center will look like and what

functions it will perform each year for the following 5 years. The plan shall include a

cost-effective investment strategy that supports the activity's mission, reduces manual

processing, replaces worn-out equipment, helps maintain the mail center's customer

satisfaction, improves operational efficiencies, and reaps postage discounts. It shall be

updated annually.

C2.2.2. Business Recovery Plan. Each mail center shall have a business recovery

plan and update it annually. A copy of the plan shall be stored outside the building

housing the mail center (e.g., the installation's emergency operation center). As a

minimum, the plan shall discuss actions to be taken when some or all employees are

absent, part or all of the mail center is unusable, some or all of the equipment is

defective or destroyed, necessary utilities are not available, and carriers or vendors are

unable to provide supplies or services when needed. Also, include things such as

emergency meeting locations for employees; alternate mail center locations and

equipment; emergency evacuation procedures; procedures for handling terrorist threats;

emergency employee recall procedures; and procedures for notifying emergency

services such as fire, police, and medical. All employees shall be familiar with the plan.

C2.2.3. Operation, Contingency, Exercise, and Similar Plans. These plans shall

include provisions for adequate personnel, postage, equipment, and vehicles for official

mail center operations in the area involved. The official mail centers shall support all

DoD activities in their area regardless of the DoD Component to whom the activity

belongs.

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

47 CHAPTER 2

C2.2.4. Security Plan. Each mail center shall have a security plan that incorporates

appropriate information from this Chapter, Chapter 4, and other appropriate

information. The security plan shall be coordinated with local security officials.

C2.3. MAIL CENTER OPERATIONS

C2.3.1. Centralized Processing. Outgoing and internal mail preparation procedures

and processing shall be integrated across DoD activity and DoD Component lines to

ensure optimum use of personnel, equipment, and postage cost reduction practices such

as consolidated mailings, discounts, permit mailings, and drop-shipments when the

volume of mail is adequate to make them cost-effective. The use of vendors to prepare

mail for postage discounts is authorized when cost-effective. Maximum cooperation

with other Federal Agencies is encouraged.

C2.3.2. Incoming Mail:

C2.3.2.1. Carriers should deliver incoming items to the addressee or the

addressees' offices unless access is denied for security reasons. United States Postal

Service (USPS) mail deliveries are made as agreed to in the DoD/USPS Agreement and

agreements with local postal officials.

C2.3.2.2. Incoming mail the USPS has sorted to delivery point sequence shall

be delivered as sorted. Do not go through the mail to check for mis-sorted mail prior

to delivery.

C2.3.3. Distribution cases in official mail centers shall be labeled with the street

addresses and, when appropriate, the secondary designators. This is not applicable to

deployed units.

C2.3.4. Secure undelivered certified, registered, and Express Mail; items shipped

through the General Services Administration's overnight contract carrier; items bearing

DoD accountable container numbers; and similar items in a container approved for

storing Secret material.

C2.3.5. Customer Information

C2.3.5.1. Operation schedules. Official mail centers (OMCs) shall provide

their customers hours the OMC operates, distribution trip schedules, close-out time for

outgoing mail, etc.

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

48 CHAPTER 2

C2.3.5.2. Addresses served. OMCs shall:

C2.3.5.2.1. Give customers a list of installations/organizations to which

consolidated mail is sent.

C2.3.5.2.2. Send a list of the addresses they serve to activities sending

them consolidated mail.

C2.3.5.3. The above should be available on local area networks.

C2.3.5.4. Contact the official mail manager (OMM) at receiving activities

every 6 months to make sure the address for the consolidated mailing is still correct.

C2.3.6. Processing Accountable Items. OMCs shall treat anything they must sign

for from the originator or a carrier as an accountable item and obtain a receipt for it.

C2.3.6.1. Use automated tracking systems to control accountable mail and

other important items whenever cost-effective. An automated tracking system

eliminates hand-written logs and reliance on paper files for tracking or proof of

delivery. It can automatically sort items by route and delivery stop. It can then

generate delivery manifests that sequence the mail for delivery and provide a place for

the recipients to sign. This significantly reduces processing time and provides legible,

easy-to-read records. Instant searches and look-ups are possible. The available

information can provide data for charge-back to expense codes and productivity analysis

of mail clerks. Carrier delivery times, delivery commitments not met, and refund

information can be easily obtained. Most systems include a report writer able to

produce just about any desired report.

C2.3.6.2. Incoming and Internal Items

C2.3.6.2.1. Check each item by its registered, insured, certified, Express

Mail, or carrier's number to make sure everything is present before signing for it. Sign

PS Forms 3811 and return them to the USPS (see paragraph C2.10.4.4. for exceptions).

C2.3.6.2.2. Prepare a separate PS Form 3883 (Firm Delivery Receipt for

Accountable and Bulk Delivery Mail), or electronic equivalent, in triplicate for each

office to which accountable items are to be delivered. (PS Form 3883 is a three-part

form.) When receiving the items, the delivering courier signs Part 2 - Office, and

leaves it with the official mail center's accountable mail clerk. The courier obtains a

signature from the receiving office on Part 1 - Delivery and Part 3 - Customer. The

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

49 CHAPTER 2

courier gives Part 3 to the office receiving the items. The courier returns Part 1 to the

official mail center's accountable mail clerk and receives Part 2.

C2.3.6.3. Outgoing accountable items shall be consolidated when possible and

cost-effective. Items bearing PS Label 200-A (Registered Mail), PS Form 3800

(certified mail label), and Postal Service (PS) Form 3813-P (U.S.Mail Insured) may be

placed in consolidated containers. Postage and fees are not required on each individual

item, only the consolidated container.

C2.3.6.3.1. The consolidated container must be registered if it contains

an item with PS Label 200-A.

C2.3.6.3.2. If the consolidated container does not contain an item with PS

Label 200-A, it must be certified if it contains an item with PS Form 3800.

C2.3.6.3.3. If the consolidated container does not contain an item with PS

Label 200-A or PS Form 3800, it must be insured if it contains an item with PS Form

3813-P.

C2.3.6.3.4. Inquiries on the individual items in a consolidated mailing

must be sent to the receiving mail center, not the USPS because the USPS will have no

record of these items.

C2.3.6.3.5. PS Form 3811 (Return Receipt) is not authorized on the

individual items in a consolidated mailing (see paragraph C2.10.4.4.).

C2.3.6.3.6. Consolidated containers containing items with PS Label

200-A, PS Form 3800, or PS Form 3813-P shall also contain a PS Form 3854

(Manifold Registry Dispatch Book) or an automated tracking system-generated manifest

showing these items.

C2.3.6.3.7. The originating OMC shall use PS Form 3877 if three or

more consolidated containers or other items are mailed at the same time.

C2.3.6.3.8. When a consolidated container is received, the receiving

OMC and/or activity shall:

C2.3.6.3.8.1. Verify the contents against the enclosed PS Form 3845

or manifest and notify the originating OMC if all the listed items are not present.

C2.3.6.3.8.2. List the items on PS Form 3883 (Firm Delivery

Receipt for Accountable and Bulk Delivery Mail), PS Form 3849 (Delivery

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

50 CHAPTER 2

Notice/Reminder/Receipt), or an automated tracking system generated receipt and obtain

a signature.

C2.4. EMPLOYEES

C2.4.1. Employee Qualifications. Mail center employees must:

C2.4.1.1. Possess a high degree of honesty and be trustworthy.

C2.4.1.2. Never have been convicted of crimes involving theft.

C2.4.1.3. Not have been previously removed for cause from work in a postal,

mail, or other communications activity.

C2.4.1.4. Not have physical restrictions prohibiting duty involving prolonged

standing, walking, or lifting weights up to and including the maximum weight for a mail

piece.

C2.4.1.5. Possess a valid civilian driver's license when duties may require

driving.

C2.4.1.6. Have an Interim Secret clearance or be eligible for a Secret

clearance based on having a favorable Entrance National Agency Check (ENTNAC) or

National Agency Check (NAC) on file.

C2.4.2. Temporary Hires. Temporary employees such as summer student hires

may be used in a limited role. These employees normally do not have a security

clearance; therefore, they shall not handle accountable items (including overnight

shipments) or open regular First-Class or Priority Mail. They must work under the

physical supervision of a regular mail center employee at all times.

C2.4.3. Employee Training. Mail center managers shall establish and carry out a

program to train all mail center employees to perform all mail center functions and to

maintain their proficiency in those functions.

C2.5. ENVIRONMENT

A mail center having a pleasant, business-like appearance helps create a happy work

environment, good morale, and quality work. The following contribute to the desired

environment:

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51 CHAPTER 2

C2.5.1. Adequate ventilation, heating, and cooling are essential for good health and

moral as well as quality work.

C2.5.2. Nicely decorated walls and ceilings help employee morale and production.

C2.5.3. Well-lighted mail processing areas reduce eye fatigue and improve work

quality.

C2.5.4. Use cushion mats in areas where employees must stand for prolonged

periods of time. When possible, arrange for employees to be seated while working. It

reduces foot and leg problems and need not decrease production.

C2.5.5. A clean mail processing area free of excess supplies, equipment, clothing,

and other matter looks better and reduces the chances for loss, misplacement, and theft

of mail.

C2.5.6. Proper kinds and quantities of equipment and supplies are essential.

Mechanize and automate procedures whenever cost-effective.

C2.5.7. Clean and properly maintained equipment works and looks better.

Operators can clean most equipment and perform many minor adjustments. Consult the

equipment operator's manual or service representative for information and instructions.

C2.5.8. Every week, look at the materials stored in the mail center to make sure

they are neatly stored and the quantity on hand is neither excessive nor inadequate for

current needs. Is the mail center clean? Is all equipment functional and needed? How

long has equipment been inoperable and why?

C2.6. POSTAGE AND FEES COMPUTATION

C2.6.1. Domestic mails' postage and fees shall be computed according to the

Domestic Mai1 Manual (DMM) (reference (f)) and changes announced in the USPS

Postal Bulletin. USPS Poster 123-L or 123-S (Postal Rates and Fees) provides the

information in convenient, easy-to-use form. USPS Poster 123L or 123S must be used

with the Postal Zone Chart for the post office where the item will be mailed.

C2.6.2. International mails' postage and fees shall be computed according to the

International Mail Manual (IMM) (reference (k)) and changes announced in the USPS

Postal Bulletin.

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

52 CHAPTER 2

C2.6.3. Electronic scales, when properly programmed, may be used to meet the

requirements of paragraphs C2.6.1. and C2.6.2.

C2.6.4. "DoD Official Intratheater Mail" shall be legibly entered in the area where

the postage normally would be placed on items mailed from one military post office

(MPO) to another MPO in the same theater.

C2.6.5. The weight of PS Form 3811, "Domestic Return Receipt," shall not be

included when calculating the amount of postage required. See the DMM, Section

S915 (reference (f)).

C2.7. POSTAGE PROCUREMENT

C2.7.1. All DoD activities shall use only prepaid postage.

C2.7.1.1. Postage shall be paid for on receipt. Do not ask postmasters or

MPOs to advance postage pending receipt of funds. Any USPS or MPO employee

advancing postage is personally liable for the amount of postage advanced and may be

disciplined for doing so.

C2.7.1.2. Pay for all purchases by using either a credit card or an electronic

funds transfer (EFT). The chart, PAYMENT METHODS ACCEPTED BY THE U.S.

POSTAL SERVICE FOR COMMERCIAL (PREPAID) POSTAGE, at Figure C2.F1.

explains what may be purchased with each payment option.

C2.7.1.2.1. A Centralized Account Processing System (CAPS) or

commercial meter, remotely set (CMRS) trust account shall be used for all transactions

possible.

C2.7.1.2.2. The General Service Administration (GSA) Smart Pay credit

cards shall be used for all transactions for which the USPS accepts them. Exception:

Use the CAPS or CMRS trust account instead of a GSA Smart Pay card when there is a

choice.

C2.7.1.2.3. Trust accounts at local post offices may be used only when

one of the preceding methods cannot be used.

C2.7.1.3. Deposits into trust accounts shall normally be via an overnight

Automated Clearing House (ACH) transaction. Fedwire transactions are much more

expensive and shall be used only in an emergency.

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

53 CHAPTER 2

C2.7.2. Electronic funds transfer (EFT) Transactions. The USPS offers both debit

and credit type ACH transactions. Currently, the Department of Defense is limited to

using ACH credit transactions to trust accounts (TA) in USPS-owned bank accounts. A

separate SF 1034 (PUBLIC VOUCHER FOR PURCHASES AND SERVICES OTHER

THAN PERSONAL) is required for each USPS facility. A separate SF 1034 is also

required for each type of transaction. These procedures are not applicable to penalty

postage or payments to military post offices. The required DUNNS Numbers and

CAGE Codes for the appropriate USPS offices are listed in the CCR Registration List,

United States Postal Service at Figure C2.F2.

C2.7.2.1. Deposits to the Computerized Meter Resetting System (CMRS).

The SF 1034 must contain the following information.

C2.7.2.1.1. Enter the following in the PAYEE'S NAME AND ADDRESS

block:

DUNNS CAGE ACH CCD+/CTX

US Postal Service (Meter Vendor Name)

National Lock Box Program Manager

475 L'Enfant Plaza, SW

Washington DC 20260-5130

C2.7.2.1.2. Enter the following in the ARTICLES OR SERVICES block:

Mail services for (your activity's name)

LEAVE A BLANK LINE

CMRS Account Number: xxxxxxxxx (Note: Use number assigned by vendor)

LEAVE A BLANK LINE

GOV TO GOV. PAY IMMEDIATELY.

LEAVE A BLANK LINE

Other: (This line is optional. List any information necessary for your activity, like

3rd Quarter Fiscal Year 2000)

C2.7.2.2. Deposits to Centralized Account Processing System (CAPS). The

SF 1034 must contain the following information:

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

54 CHAPTER 2

C2.7.2.2.1. Enter the following in the PAYEE'S NAME AND ADDRESS

block:

DUNS 00-326-1245+0005 CAGE 1RD41 ACH CCD

USPS CAPS Service Center

2700 Campus Drive

San Mateo, CA 94497-9223

C2.7.2.2.2. Enter the following in the ARTICLES OR SERVICES block:

For mail services to (your activity's name on CAPS)

LEAVE A BLANK LINE

CAPS Account Number: CTASXXXXX (Note: Use CTAS and 5 digit number--NO

spaces)

LEAVE A BLANK LINE

GOV TO GOV. PAY IMMEDIATELY.

LEAVE A BLANK LINE

Other: (This line is optional. List any information necessary for your activity, like

3rd Quarter Fiscal Year 2000)

C2.7.2.3. Recurring Payments and Deposits to local Post Offices. This

includes permit fees and permit postage not payable via CAPS, deposits to trust

accounts such as Permit Imprint (PI), Postage Due (PD), Business Reply Mail (BRM)

and Merchandise Return Service (MRS), Express Mail Corporate Account (EMCA), and

Periodicals Requestor Rate (PRR). Local post offices do not have bank accounts.

Therefore, the ACH transaction must be made to a bank account belonging to the USPS

District to which the local post office belongs. Obtain the USPS District's name and

current address from the post office. The SF 1034 must contain the following

information.

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

55 CHAPTER 2

C2.7.2.3.1. Enter the following in the PAYEE'S NAME AND ADDRESS

block:

DUNNS CAGE ACH CCD+/CTX

USPS (District Office Name)

Street Address

City, State, Zip+4 Code

C2.7.2.3.1. Enter the following in the ARTICLES OR SERVICES block:

For mail services to (your activity's name)

USPS' facility's name where Account is held (Only one facility per SF 1034)

(Street Address)

(City, State, ZIP+4 Code)

1234 BRM 123456

NOTE: This line consists of three fields separated by a space. The left field contains

the USPS facility 4-digit Standard Field Account Number (SFA) of the post office that

is to receive the money. The center field contains one of the types of transaction

abbreviations from paragraph C2.7.2.3. (Note: ONLY one transaction type per SF

1034.) The right field contains the trust account number. A sample line follows:

LEAVE A BLANK LINE

GOV TO GOV. PAY IMMEDIATELY.

LEAVE A BLANK LINE

Other: (This line is optional. List any information necessary for your activity, like

3rd Quarter Fiscal Year 2000)

C2.7.2.4. Deposits to Stamps-by-Phone Trust Accounts. The SF 1034 must

contain the following information.

C2.7.2.4.1. Enter the following in the PAYEE'S NAME AND ADDRESS

block:

DUNNS 88-396-9412 CAGE Code: 1Q588 ACH CCD+/CTX

USPS Stamp Fulfillment Services

8300 NE Underground Drive Pillar 210

Kansas City, MO 64144-0001

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

56 CHAPTER 2

C2.7.2.4.2. Enter the following in the ARTICLES OR SERVICES block:

For mail services to (your activity's name)

LEAVE A BLANK LINE

Stamps-by-Phone Account Number: xxxxxx

LEAVE A BLANK LINE

GOV TO GOV. PAY IMMEDIATELY.

LEAVE A BLANK LINE

Other: (This line is optional. List any information necessary for your activity, like

3rd Quarter Fiscal Year 2000)

C2.7.2.5. When applying for a permit, send a copy of the USPS Corporate

Treasurer's letter (Figure C2.F3.) to the post office along with your permit application.

After receiving the permit number and the post office's Standard Field Account (FSA)

number from the post office, pay the permit fee and postage by following the

instructions in paragraph C2.7.2.3. (NOTE: If your activity has a USPS CAPS account

and the post office has the USPS' computerized Permit System, immediately ask the

CAPS Service Center to link the permit to your CAPS account. When the CAPS

account is established and linked to the permit, deposit the money for postage in your

CAPS account instead of a trust account at the post office. Deposit the money for

postage by following the instructions in paragraph C2.7.2.2. The initial permit fee must

be paid to the local post office. It cannot be paid out of the CAPS account.)

C2.7.3. Standard Form 3881 (ACH VENDOR/MISCELLANEOUS PAYMENT

ENROLLMENT FORM) is not required.

C2.7.4. Verify receipt of the deposit by using the procedures provided by the USPS

or your vendor. Your vendor will also provide written verification of the deposit's date

and amount.

C2.7.5. Monthly, the OMM or OMCM shall reconcile the balance in all TAs.

C2.8. SECURITY

C2.8.1. Know the employees. Do not hire anyone to handle your postage without

first determining his or her background.

C2.8.2. Secure the mail center against access by unauthorized persons. Keep it

locked up whenever possible, especially when no one is on duty.

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

57 CHAPTER 2

C2.8.3. Limit mail center access to mail center employees. All others must be

escorted. Consider having a sign-in sheet for persons entering and leaving the mail

center, including times of arrival and departure.

C2.8.4. Keep accountable items separate from other items. Document each

transfer of accountable items by requiring the receiving party to sign for custody.

Automate this process when cost-effective.

C2.8.5. If funds are handled as part of the mail center operation, establish adequate

controls to fix individual responsibility for any losses that may occur. Do not keep

postage stamps in an unlocked drawer.

C2.8.6. Keep the postage meter locked when not in use. Check outgoing metered

mail at least weekly to determine if the correct postage is being applied and only

official business items receive postage.

C2.8.7. Establish procedures to account for valuable items that were mailed, but

for some reason were returned.

C2.8.8. On parcels, place postage so it overlaps the upper right corner of the

address label or tag. This is a deterrent to theft by "overlabeling," a technique to divert

the parcel to a name and address controlled by the thief.

C2.8.9. Vary times and routes of travel between post office and mail center if

currency or other valuable mail is regularly sent or received. Check periodically to

determine if mail messengers are making unauthorized stops or are leaving mail

unattended in unlocked vehicles.

C2.8.10. Employees suspected of stealing shall be removed from duties pertaining

to mail until the matter has been investigated.

C2.8.11. Restrict dock parking to authorized vehicles.

C2.9. DEALINGS WITH THE POST OFFICE

C2.9.1. Cooperation and good relations with your post office's representatives are

essential.

C2.9.1.1. Contact your post office representatives frequently. If you do not

need their assistance, find some reason to visit or call them occasionally so they will

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

58 CHAPTER 2

know who you are when you do need their assistance. Do not hesitate to ask for their

advice or assistance, especially when designing forms or a large mailing. The more

familiar they are with your operation the better they can help you get the most per

postal dollar.

C2.9.1.2. The postmasters and the head of postal facilities on DoD

installations provide a service that is vital to the successful accomplishment of the

installations' missions and the morale and welfare of all personnel living and working on

the installations. Installation commanders are encourage to invite their postmaster and

the head of the postal facility located on the installation to attend social functions and at

least once a quarter to attend a staff meeting.

C2.9.2. Appeal disagreements with the local post office rulings or interpretations

of the DMM (reference (f)) through the USPS chain of command. Forward through the

DoD chain of command requests to change USPS policy (local post offices have no

authority to change USPS policy).

C2.9.3. When asked to modernize a retail store, the local post office

representatives may say they do not have the necessary resources. The necessary

resources are controlled at the USPS District level or higher. Find out who controls

the resources and then sell them on your request.

C2.9.4. USPS Delivery Policy

C2.9.4.1. There are three basic types of residential delivery: door-to-door

(most expensive), curb-side, and cluster box (least expensive).

C 4.9.4.2. Postmasters are not allowed to change the type of delivery for

existing residential areas without the landowners' permission. Consider the installation

commander to be the landowner. All new residential developments receive only

curb-side or cluster box type delivery. NOTE: When existing buildings are

demolished and replaced with new structures the area is considered to be a new

residential area. When buildings are vacated, remodeled inside, and re-occupied the

area is entitled to the same type of delivery it had previously.

C2.9.4.3. Installation commanders shall not agree to USPS' request for

changes to a lesser expensive type of delivery without negotiating for delivery to

unaccompanied personnel and business addresses.

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

59 CHAPTER 2

C2.10. CONSOLIDATED MAIL

C2.10.1. General. Consolidated mailings shall be made when they are

cost-effective. Consolidated mailings are a reliable way to ship administrative and

operational communications and logistical items between headquarters, depots,

contractors, installations, and operational units. They remain intact while in transit and

reduce the number of times the contents are sorted. Most importantly, they reduce

costs because postage is paid on the total weight of the single consolidated container

and its contents, rather than separately on each piece within the container. Under the

postage rate structure, the first one or two pounds are the most expensive. As weight

increases, the cost per pound decreases. The cost and weight of the container and any

package material must be considered in the mailing cost.

C2.10.2. Containers

C2.10.2.1. The proper selection of the container is critical to the success of

consolidated mailings. See Chapter 1 and the DMM (reference (f)) for tips on package

preparation. USPS-owned Priority Mail and Express Mail envelopes, boxes, and pouches

must be used whenever possible. When USPS products are not suitable the products

listed below have been successfully used.

C2.10.2.2. Carton, 11 1/4 by 8 3/4 by 4 inches. Stock number

8115-00-861-1574.

C2.10.2.3. Carton, 12 by 10 by 8 inches. Stock number 8115-00-179-0575.

C2.10.2.4. Plastic envelopes, lightweight, heat-sealed.

C2.10.2.5. Shrink-wrap plastic.

C2.10.2.6. Sack, shipping 10 1/2 by 16 inches. Stock number

8105-00-145-0444.

C2.10.2.7. Sack, shipping 14 1/2 by 20 inches. Stock number

8105-00-145-0446.

C2.10.3. Preparation

C2.10.3.1. Package consolidated mail shipments as required by the DMM

(reference (f)) for the appropriate class of mail and applicable special services such as

registered.

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60 CHAPTER 2

C2.10.3.2. Address Labels. Use USPS Label 228C on Priority Mail

consolidated mail shipments. The USPS provides these labels with the to and from

address already printed. They are free and can be obtained by calling the USPS at

1-800-610-7833 to set up a customer account. A similar label is available for

repetitive Express Mail shipments.

C2.10.3.3. Non-First-Class Mail may be combined with First-Class Mail only

when cost-effective.

C2.10.3.4. Large paper envelopes or cartons may have the address and postage

placed on the container or on an address label. If a label is used, the postage meter tape

or postage stamps shall overlap the upper right edge of the label. Consolidated Mail or

CM shall be placed immediately below the return address. These containers are to be

opened and sorted in the addressee's official mail center.

C2.10.3.5. Two or more parcels may be fastened together and mailed as one

piece. See the DMM C600.1.2. (reference (f)) for information.

C2.10.4. Special Services

C2.10.4.1. When an item requiring a special service such as registered,

certified, numbered insured, or Return Receipt for Merchandise is placed in a

consolidated mailing the whole mailing shall be registered, certified, numbered insured,

or be Return Receipt of Merchandise as appropriate. The appropriate PS Form 200-A,

3800, 3813-P, or 3811 must be placed only on the outside of the consolidated mailing.

Reason: The addressee signs for only the PS Form pertaining to the consolidated

container, not those on individual items in it. Therefore, USPS can not trace those on

the individual items. The dispatching mail center shall prepare and include DD Form

2825 (see Figure C1.F2.) in these shipments.

C2.10.4.2. Items requiring registered service shall not be placed in certified

or numbered insured consolidated mailings because they are not signed for each time

they change hands. However, certified or numbered insured items may be placed in a

registered consolidated mailing when cost-effective.

C2.10.4.3. Items requiring certified service shall not be placed in numbered

insured consolidated mailings. These items may contain classified material and

numbered insured is not sealed against inspection.

C2.10.4.4. When items with PS Form 3811 attached are placed in a

consolidated mailing, the PS Forms 3811 attached to the individual pieces shall be

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

61 CHAPTER 2

removed and destroyed or returned to the sender. When an official mail center receives

a consolidated mailing containing items bearing PS Form 3811, the official mail center

shall remove and destroy the PS Forms 3811 attached to the individual pieces.

REASON: A fee must be paid for each PS Form 3811. Those fees are not paid when

the items are consolidated.

C2.10.5. Dispatch. The OMM shall establish and publish the dispatch schedule for

consolidated mailings. It shall be based on user requirements, normal transit times, the

recipient's normal business days, and mail volumes. Schedule dispatches so the

consolidated mail would normally be delivered on days when the addressee is usually

open for business. For example, the normal transit time between A and B is 3 days.

Consolidated mail dispatched on Wednesday and Thursday would normally be available

for delivery on Saturday and Sunday, days the addressee is usually closed. It would

actually be delivered on Monday. These items would still be delivered on Monday if

held and dispatched on Friday. And, the cost per pound may be less because the

consolidated mail shipment may contain additional items and be heavier. Consolidated

mail shipments may be made any time the shipment equals the maximum allowable

weight or size for a single mail piece.

C2.10.6. Monitoring. The installation or equivalent OMM shall monitor and

encourage the use of consolidated mail. To do this the OMM shall:

C2.10.6.1. Manage the consolidated mail service for the entire installation or

equivalent.

C2.10.6.2. Establish consolidated mail service to activities that continually

receive large quantities of mail from the installation and advertise the service.

C2.10.6.3. Coordinate the establishment of consolidated mail service with

receiving installations/activities and monitor and exchange transit time information.

C2.10.6.4. Make sure consolidated mail is properly prepared, has the correct

amount of postage, has the correct address, and contains only items the addressee can

deliver.

C2.10.6.5. Report to the sender any irregularities in the preparation or receipt

of consolidated mail. Also, the sending OMM shall take action to prevent the

irregularities in the future.

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62 CHAPTER 2

C2.11. POSTAGE METERS

C2.11.1. Only commercial meters, remotely set (CMRS) shall be leased by DoD

activities.

C2.11.2. License

C2.11.2.1. Postage meter licenses are required and are obtained by submitting

PS Form 3601-A, "Application or Update for a License to Lease and Use Postage

Meters," per instructions in the DMM P030.2 (reference (f)). The DMM, P030.2.6

(reference (f)), contains responsibilities of the license holder. NOTE: Applicants

planning to use a commercial postage meter at an MPO shall follow the instructions

contained in the AGREEMENT CONCERNING COMMERCIAL POSTAGE METER

USE AT MILITARY POST OFFICE ADDRESSES at Appendix 1. Contact the MPO if

further assistance is needed.

C2.11.2.2. Licenses shall be canceled when no longer needed.

C2.11.2.3. Notify the licensing post office whenever the name, address, or

telephone number on a PS Form 3601-A changes.

C2.11.3. Setting, Payments, and Refunds

C2.11.3.1. Meters shall be immediately checked in service upon receipt and

out of service when defective, no longer needed, or the licensee moves to a different

post office. (NOTE: All AE and AA MPOs are branches of the New York City Post

Office and all AP MPOs are branches of the San Francisco Post Office.) See the

DMM, section P030.2.8 (reference (f)) and Appendix 1 for instructions. Establish

procedures to make sure refunds are received and properly accounted for on postage

remaining on defective or no longer needed meters when they are checked out of

service. (NOTE: Under certain conditions, the post office is unable to determine how

much money is left on a defective meter when it is checked out of service. In this case,

a refund is made after the meter is inspected at the manufacturer's facility.)

C2.11.3.2. Each meter shall be reset each quarter for the estimated amount of

postage to be used on that meter during the quarter. Reset the meter for a zero amount

of postage if additional postage is not needed. When commercial meters, remotely set,

are set at least every 90 days they need not be taken to the post office for physical

inspection. Backup meters should have only the minimum amount of postage needed to

prevent work stoppages.

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63 CHAPTER 2

C2.11.3.3. When a meter is set or reset, the OMM shall verify the meter was

actually set for the desired amount of postage.

C2.11.4. Daily Record of Meter Register Readings

C2.11.4.1. PS Form 3602-A, "Daily Record of Meter Register Readings," shall

be maintained for each meter. Licensees using metering systems that record these

readings electronically may use system-generated printed records of the preceding 12

months of meter activity as a substitute for manual entry of daily ascending and

descending readings on Form 3602-A. See the DMM P030.2.6 (reference (f)).

C2.11.4.2. When the meter is set, or reset, add the amounts appearing in the

ascending and descending registers before the meter is used. The resulting sum

becomes a control number. At the close of business each day these two registers shall

be added together. If their sum is not the same as the control number, the meter may

have malfunctioned. The serving vendor shall be contacted before the meter is used

again.

C2.11.4.3. To determine the amount of postage used on any given day, subtract

the descending register reading for the day from the descending register reading for the

previous day.

C2.11.4.4. The post office keeps a PS Form 3610, "Record of Postage, Meter

Setting," for each postage meter licensed at the post office. The post office records the

amount of the postage added to the meter on this form. Even though PS Form 3610 is

for internal USPS use the license holders may review them. NOTE: PS Form 3610

will not show settings on remotely set meters.

C2.11.5. Spoiled or Incorrect Meter Postage

C2.11.5.1. Requests for refunds shall be submitted when authorized. DMM,

section P014.3 (reference (f)) explains the conditions and procedures to be followed.

C2.11.5.2. Equipment malfunctions causing spoiled meter postage shall be

immediately reported to the manufacturer's representative.

C2.11.5.3. OMMs shall ensure that spoiled meter postage is minimal and

properly accounted for.

C2.11.6. Metered Mail Preparation

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

64 CHAPTER 2

C2.11.6.1. The meter imprint acts as a postmark and allows mail to skip the

canceling process so be sure it is bright and clear, has the correct date, and florescent

ink is used.

C2.11.6.2. All addresses must face the same way, and five or more pieces of

metered mail must be bundled with rubber bands or paper straps. Large volumes of

metered mail shall be placed in the appropriate size tray or flat container. Trays and

similar items are usually provided free of charge by USPS and shall not be used for

other purposes.

C2.11.7. Postage Management Systems (when available)

C2.11.7.1. Postage management systems are a useful tool for managing

metered postage and for charging the postage back to the user. They record various

types of data about metered mail such as the amount of postage, date, mail class, and

mail volume by user, function, or task.

C2.11.7.2. The record of postage used shall be analyzed by the OMM at

regular intervals (weekly for most installations and activities). Information in the

analysis shall be used to identify large volume mailers and users of large amounts of

certain classes of mail or special postal services. Their mailings shall be periodically

analyzed to see if the items can be shipped more economically by other means.

C2.11.8. Meter Security

C2.11.8.1. Meters

C2.11.8.1.1. Remove the meter and place it in a locked safe, file cabinet,

or in a locked room overnight and any other time the operator is temporarily absent and

adequate surveillance cannot be maintained to prevent unauthorized use of the meter.

Exceptions: Meters requiring a code or password for operation need not be removed

during temporary absences of the operator. Meters that lock in place on mailing

machines need not be removed from the mailing machine at night as long as the mailing

machine is in a secured area.

C2.11.8.1.2. Immediately report the loss, theft, and recovery of a lost or

stolen meter to the local post office, the equipment vender, and through command

channels to DoD Official Mail Manager, Military Postal Service Agency, 2461

Eisenhower Ave, STE 812, Alexandria, VA 22331-0006 or [email protected].

Reports shall include the meter make, model, and serial number; the date, location, and

details of the loss, theft, or recovery; and a copy of the police report when applicable.

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

65 CHAPTER 2

C2.11.8.2. Meter Keys and Combinations

C2.11.8.2.1. The Department of Defense (except MPOs) is not

authorized to have a copy of the key or any other device or code necessary to open

and/or reset the meter. Any activity receiving such keys or devices shall immediately

give them to the post office responsible for the meter.

C2.11.8.2.2. The OMCM shall:

C2.11.8.2.2.1. Turn over these duties to the OMM or assistant

official mail manager (AOMM) when the OMCM is absent or is a meter operator.

C2.11.8.2.2.2. Keep extra keys and current meter combinations in

secure envelopes. The meter operator and the OMCM shall sign on the seal of the

envelopes to validate the security of the keys/combinations. The envelopes shall be

stored in a secure, locked receptacle. The OMM or AOMM shall sign the envelopes

when the meter operator and the OMCM is the same person.

C2.11.8.2.2.3. Maintain a meter key/combination log to account for

all keys and or combinations on hand, in use, or issued, and who has each key or

combination. It shall show the dates an operator received the key or combination and

the date the key was returned or the combination was changed.

C2.11.8.2.2.4. Limit the number of people having a key or

combination to those who have need to use them.

C2.11.8.2.2.5. Change the meter's combination or obtain meter keys

from a meter operator when the meter operator permanently stops being a meter

operator or when the meter operator will be temporarily absent 1 week or longer.

C2.12. POSTAGE STAMPS AND PC POSTAGE

C2.12.1. Who May Use. Postage stamps and PC Postage are intended for use by

small volume mailers throughout the Department of Defense with outgoing mail volume

too low to justify postage meters and for special projects such as "Black Box

Payments." Activities without a backup metering system may maintain no more than a

10-day emergency supply of postage stamps or PC Postage to be used only when

metering equipment is not operational. Also, deployable units may maintain a 60-day

stock of postage stamps or PC Postage for use when deployed to areas without meters.

Small volume mailers' inventories shall not exceed a 90-day supply. Postage stamps

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

66 CHAPTER 2

and PC Postage shall be centralized and closely controlled by the activity OMM. The

advantages of permit and consolidated mailings must be maintained.

C2.12.2. Purchasing. Only deployable units, activities without a backup metering

system and those small volume mailers that have been authorized by their installation

may purchase postage stamps or PC postage. OMMs shall verify quantities of postage

received. Prepaid postage stamps may be purchased from the local post office, by mail

through the Stamps By Mail program or through the Stamps By Phone program.

Contact your USPS account representative or Postal Business Center for details.

(NOTE: PC postage may be used only when payment for postage is made directly to

the USPS and not to a vendor who then pays the USPS.)

C2.12.3. Postage Stamp Security. All personnel are responsible for preventing

the theft, misuse, waste, or loss of postage stamps, stamped envelopes, and postal

cards. The inventory shall be centralized and closely controlled by the activity OMM.

It shall be secured in locked containers (safes, file cabinets, desk drawers, etc.) or a

locked room.

C2.13. EMERGENCY DISPOSITION OF POSTAGE STAMPS, METERS, AND PC

POSTAGE DEVICES

C2.13.1. If conditions permit, follow normal procedures for checking a meter out

of service and returning the meter to USPS, or the MPO, or the manufacturer (as

appropriate).

C2.13.2. If capture or loss of meters or PC Postage devices is imminent, record

make, model, and serial number and destroy them if possible. Report destruction,

capture, or loss per the instructions in paragraph C2.11.8.1.2. of this Manual.

C2.13.3. When use of postage stamps is no longer possible, transfer existing

inventory to another location for safe keeping or use. Destroy postage stamps when

capture is imminent.

C2.14. POSTAGE DUE PENALTY MAIL

Postage Due Penalty Mail was created by the USPS so DoD activities engaged in hostile

operations or operating under arduous conditions can send official matter through the

USPS when postage is not available. The postage is collected from the addressee.

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

67 CHAPTER 2

C2.14.1. Postage Due Penalty Mail shall be prepared per the DMM E0605.7

(reference (f)).

C2.14.2. The lack of adequate funding is not a valid reason for its use.

C2.14.3. Postage due penalty mail SHALL NOT BE USED to notify next of kin of

casualties, to send items to addressees outside the Department of Defense, or to

international mail addresses.

C2.14.4. DoD addressees shall pay the postage due when the item is delivered.

Only postage stamps, postage meter strips, or cash are acceptable.

C2.14.5. Theater Commanders-in-Chief may authorize some or all DoD activities

in the theater to use Postage Due Penalty Mail for periods not exceeding 120 days.

Theater Commanders-in-Chief shall notify the DoD Official Mail Manager that Postage

Due Penalty Mail is being used not later than the second business day after use begins.

The DoD Official Mail Manager shall notify the USPS General Manager, Official and

International Mail Accounting Division, not later than the third business day after use

begins. The policies listed below apply:

C2.14.5.1. The "DoD Official Intra-theater Mail" procedures outlined in

paragraph C1.16.5. continue to apply to mail remaining in the same overseas theater. It

also applies between adjacent theaters (e.g., United States European Command

(EUCOM) and United States Central Command (CENTCOM)) where there is no chance

the mail will transit the United States Postal Service domestic system.

C2.14.5.2. For all other mail leaving the theater, continue using postage

stamps, PC postage, and postage meters as long as possible before switching to the

Postage Due Penalty Mail procedures outlined below.

C2.14.5.2.1. Postage stamps shall be used when official mail centers can

no longer use postage meters due to a lack of electricity or equipment failures, or when

postal personnel are no longer available to set the meters. (When MPO financial

transactions are terminated, postage meters must be checked out of use.)

C2.14.5.2.2. Postage Due Penalty Mail shall be used on mail leaving the

theater when postage stamps are not available or cannot be used.

C2.14.5.3. As the situation stabilizes, postage stamps shall replace Postage

Due Penalty Mail as soon as possible. The use of postage meters may be resumed as

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

68 CHAPTER 2

soon as electricity, serviceable equipment, and MPO personnel to process the meters

are available.

C2.14.5.4. In the following scenario, M-Day is the day the theater

commander-in-chief authorizes the use of postage due penalty mail.

C2.14.5.4.1. At M-Day: Switch to Postage Due Penalty Mail where

continued use of postage stamps, PC postage, or postage meters is not practical.

C2.14.5.4.2. At M+30: Users of Postage Due Penalty Mail switch to

postage stamps or PC postage and/or postage meters (where practical).

C2.14.5.4.3. At M+60: Those still using Postage Due Penalty Mail

introduce postage stamps or make plans to have postage applied to their mail elsewhere

in the theater. If these are not practical, continue use of Postage Due Penalty Mail.

C2.14.5.4.4. At M+90: Those still using Postage Due Penalty Mail

convert to postage stamps or PC postage and/or postage meters or have postage applied

to their mail elsewhere in the theater. If these are not practical, continue use of

Postage Due Penalty Mail.

C2.14.5.4.5. At M+120: Postage stamps, PC postage and/or postage

meters replace all use of Postage Due Penalty Mail. If that is not possible, advise the

DoD Official Mail Manager why it is not possible and provide an estimate as to when

replacement of Postage Due Penalty Mail will be feasible. The DoD Official Mail

Manager will then notify the USPS.

C2.15. CHANGE OF ADDRESS

DoD activities shall submit PS Form 3575, "Change of Address Order," when they

move. See Chapter 6 for instructions pertaining to unit activations and deactivations.

C2.16. CONTRACTING-OUT

A contractor, with one exception, may legally perform Official mail center operations.

Contractors can not legally carry internal mail qualifying as a "letter" over "post roads"

unless such mail bears postage or meets the requirements for one or more of the

exemptions to the Private Express Statues. All public streets and highways are

considered to be "post roads." See "Private Express Statutes" in the DL1.1.41. for a list

of applicable statues and the suspensions thereto.

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

69 CHAPTER 2

C2.17. PERSONAL AND SOLICITATION MAIL

C2.17.1. Personal Mail. An activity's employees shall not receive personal mail

or send outgoing personal mail through an official mail center. Mail bearing an

attention line or the addressee's name with a job title is considered to be official and

shall be delivered. The three following exceptions apply.

C2.17.1.1. All mail bearing an official Federal Government return address

shall be delivered.

C2.17.1.2. Employees may receive personal mail through the official mail

center only during the first 120 days after they join the organization. This is to allow

time to establish a local residence address.

C2.17.1.3. Discretion should be used in applying this policy to individuals who

regularly deal with those outside of the Department of Defense. It is common practice

outside of the Department of Defense to address official business matters to an

individual by name and the address may or may not include a job title or attention line.

C2.17.2. Solicitation mail is mail (from non-Government sources) addressed to

many individuals by name for the purpose of obtaining business, information, or

donations. Undeliverable-as-addressed solicitation mail shall be marked "Undeliverable

as Addressed" and returned to the post office. Do not attempt to provide a forwarding

address.

C2.18. MAIL CENTER EQUIPMENT

C2.18.1. Account for all equipment on the property records of the using DoD

Component. The postage meter, itself, is leased and cannot be purchased.

C2.18.2. Equipment Operation

C2.18.2.1. The OMM and all personnel involved in mail processing should

receive detailed instructions from the vendor when new equipment is installed. During

initial use, do not hesitate to call the service representative when questions arise.

C2.18.2.2. Check each scale for accuracy daily before it is used. This shall

be accomplished by weighing an object of known weight. Appropriate calibrations shall

be made before the scale is used.

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

70 CHAPTER 2

C2.18.2.3. Check each system immediately after updating postage rates to

ensure the updated system correctly computes all postage. This can be accomplished by

comparing the system's output to the rates printed in the DMM Module R (reference

(f)).

C2.18.3. Equipment Failure

C2.18.3.1. Do not tamper with the postage meter under any circumstances. It

is a postal offense for anyone other than USPS personnel to break or tamper with the

seals on postage meters.

C2.18.3.2. Immediately report failures of meters, mailing machines, scales,

etc., to the service representative. The service representatives' telephone numbers shall

be prominently displayed in the vicinity of that equipment.

C2.18.4. Equipment Maintenance

C2.18.4.1. All new equipment is initially covered by a warranty. Maintenance

contracts shall be used after the warranty expires.

C2.18.4.2. A maintenance log shall be maintained for each piece of equipment

in the mail center. The log shall show the date the equipment was initially placed in use

and its cost. It shall also show: the date the equipment stopped working properly, the

nature of the malfunction, the date and time repairs were requested, the date and time

the repair person first arrived, the date and time the repair was completed, a summary of

what was done, the cost of the repair, and how long the equipment was out of

operation. This information is useful in determining when equipment should be

replaced, the quality of repair service, and equipment reliability.

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

71 CHAPTER 2

Figure C2.F1. Payment Methods for Customers Served by USPS or MPO

PAYMENT METHODS FOR CUSTOMERS SERVED BY

TRANSACTION TYPE USPS POST

OFFICES

MILITARY POST OFFICES

Commercial Meters, Remotely Set (Call

meter manufacturer's representative.)

EFT, Check EFT, Check

Commercial Meters, PO Set Cash, Check, EFT Cash, Check

Permit Postage and Fees in CAPS (Call the

CAPS Service Center 650-377-1334 for info.)

EFT Not Applicable

Permit Postage and Fees at PO Cash, Check, EFT Not Applicable

Stamps by Phone (Call 816-545-1270

[Kansas City] to start Trust Acct and get order

forms.)

Credit Card, EFT Credit Card, EFT

Postage Stamps, Cards, and Envelopes at

Credit Card,

Cash, Check

Credit Card (where accepted by MPO),

Cash, Check

Stamps by Mail Check, Money

Order

Not Applicable

Personalized (printed return address)

Stamped Envelopes (Tel: 800-782-6724)

Credit Card,

Check, Money

Order

Credit Card, Check, Money Order

PC Postage Credit Card Credit Card

Business Reply Mail Postage & Fees in

CAPS

EFT Not Applicable

Business Reply Mail Postage & Fees at PO Cash, Check, EFT Not Applicable

Return Service at Post Office Cash, Check, EFT Not Applicable

Express Mail Corporate Account at Post

Office

Cash, Check, EFT Not Applicable

PO Box Rental at Post Office Credit Card,

Cash, Check

Not Applicable

Address Correction at PO Cash, Check, EFT Not Applicable

Address Element Correction in CAPS EFT EFT

Postage Due in CAPS EFT Not Applicable

Postage Due at PO Cash, Check, EFT Not Applicable

Publications Rate postage & fees in CAPS EFT Not Applicable

Publications Rate postage & fees at Post

Office

Cash, Check, EFT Not Applicable

NOTES: Use aforementioned items with bold print NOW. EFTs to local post offices' bank accounts must

be manually posted to trust accounts. Discontinue them when another method is available. (MPSA-OMM)

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

72 CHAPTER 2

Figure C2.F2. CCR Registration List

United States Postal Service

CCR Registration List (United States Postal Service)

DUNS Number (M) CAGE

Code

(M) if

foreign

Division

Name

Division

Number

Street

Address(M)

City(M) State(M) Zip/Postal

Code (M)

www.ccr2000.com

10-711-6006 1QWS8 Akron 0442 675 Wolf

Ledges

Pkwy

Akron OH 44309-9995

09-571-2402 1QVQ4 Alaska

(Anchorage)

0995 3720

Barrow St

Anchorage AK 99599-9995

07-208-5947 1QVN2 Alabama 0350 351 24th

Street North

Birmingham AL 35203-9995

09-693-4260 1QVQ6 Albany 0120 30 Old

Karner Rd

Albany NY 12288-9995

62-654-8838 1QV24 Albuquerque 0870 500

Marquette

Ave NW

Suite 907

Albuquerque NM 87102-9995

18-986-2787 1Q4D3 Appalachian 0250 1002 Lee

Street East

Charleston WV 25301-9998

18-115-3776 1QVW8 Arizona

(Phoenix)

0852 4949 E

VanBuren

St Rm

211A

Phoenix AZ 85026-9995

79-823-5123 1QV38 Arkansas 0720 420

Natural

Resources

Little Rock AR 72205-9995

18-989-4392 1Q951 Atlanta 0300 1605

Boggs

Road

Duluth GA 30026-8600

11-950-3266 1QVR3 Baltimore 0210 900 E

Fayette St

Baltimore MD 21233-9995

18-995-0087 1Q952 Big Sky

(Billings)

0590 841 S 26th

Street

Billings MT 59101-9995

04-152-4349 1QVK9 Boston 0020 25

Dorchester

Ave

Boston MA 02205-9995

18-996-0623 1QVX5 Capital 0200 900

Brentwood

Rd NE

Washington DC 20066-7400

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

73 CHAPTER 2

CCR Registration List (United States Postal Service)--Continued

DUNS Number (M) CAGE

Code

(M) if

foreign

Division

Name

Division

Number

Street

Address(M)

City(M) State(M) Zip/Postal

Code (M)

www.ccr2000.com

87-301-3973 1QV54 Caribbean 0006 585 Ave FD

Roosevelt

San Juan PR 00936-9995

60-446-4789 1Q970 Central

Florida

0327 800

Rinehart

Road

Mid

Florida

FL 32799-8801

17-213-5055 1QVV6 Central

Illinois

0604 6801 W

73rd St

Bedford

Park

IL 60499-9995

87-882-7856 1QV57 Central

New Jersey

0088 21 Kilmer

Edison NJ 08899-9995

06-313-8254 1RDB6 Central

Plains

0680 10707

Pacific

Street

Omaha NE 68124-9501

96-669-1842 1QW22 Chicago 0606 433 W.

Harrison St.

Ste. 3018

Chicago IL 60607-9995

13-797-0950 1QVT0 Cincinnati 0450 1591

Dalton St

Cincinnati OH 45234-9514

02-062-5273 1QVJ3 Cleveland 0440 2200

Orange Ave

Room 107

Cleveland OH 44101-9995

87-688-8140 1QV56 Colorado 0800 7500 E

53rd PL

Denver CO 80266-9995

02-728-1596 1REJ3 Wyoming 0800 7500 E

53rd Pl

Denver CO 80266-9995

18-999-2956 1QVX7 Columbus 0430 850 Twin

Rivers Dr

Columbus OH 43216-9995

94-978-0282 1QV75 Connecticut 0060 141

Weston St

Hartford CT 06101-9995

18-999-3913 1Q954 Dakota 0570 657 2nd

Avenue N

Fargo ND 58102-9998

79-781-7004 1QV37 Dallas 0752 951 W

Bethel Rd

Coppell Tx 75099-9995

03-986-9896 1QVK7 Detroit 0481 1401 W

Fort St

Detroit MI 48233-9995

18-999-4721 1QVX8 Erie 0164 717 State

St. Ste. 311

Erie PA 16515-9995

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

74 CHAPTER 2

CCR Registration List (United States Postal Service)--Continued

DUNS Number (M) CAGE

Code

(M) if

foreign

Division

Name

Division

Number

Street

Address(M)

City(M) State(M) Zip/Postal

Code (M)

www.ccr2000.com

78-372-5591 1QV32 Fort Worth 0760 4600 Mark IV

Parkway

Fort Worth TX 76161-9995

08-501-0411 1QWA6 Gateway 0630 1720 Market

St Room

3031

St Louis MO 63155-9995

15-293-6795 1QWU6 Greater

Indiana

0460 3939

Vincennes

Indianapolis IN 46298-9995

18-999-5363 1Q955 Greater

Michigan

0493 PO Box

999995

Grand

Rapids

MI 49599-9997

84-432-0239 1RJK7 Greater

South

Carolina

0290 PO Box

929995

Columbia SC 29292-9995

79-771-3138 1Q979 Greensboro 0270 PO Box

27499

Greensboro NC 27498-9500

60-515-0408 1QWH8 Harrisburg 0170 1425

Crooked Hill

Harrisburg PA 17107-9995

86-785-0273 1RD02 Hawkeye 0500 PO Box

189995

Des Moines IO 50322-9995

12-275-9657 1QWD0 Honolulu 0967 3600 Aolele

Honolulu HI 96820-3650

09-397-3691 1QWB0 Houston 0770 401 Franklin

Houston TX 77201-9998

18-999-7856 1Q956 Kentuckiana 0400 1420

Gardiner

Lane

Louisville KY 40231-9998

83-568-9779 1QWM4 Lancaster 0175 1905 Old

Philadelphia

Pike

Lancaster PA 17602-9995

61-827-0219 1QWJ7 Las Vegas 0890 1001 E

Sunset Rd

Las Vegas NV 89199-9995

06-992-7481 1QV96 Long Beach 0907 2300

Redondo Ave

Long Beach CA 90809-9598

18-999-8573 1REH1 Long Island 0117 PO Box 7500 Hauppauge NY 11760-9995

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

75 CHAPTER 2

CCR Registration List (United States Postal Service)--Continued

DUNS Number (M) CAGE

Code

(M) if

foreign

Division

Name

Division

Number

Street

Address(M)

City(M) State(M) Zip/Postal

Code (M)

www.ccr2000.com

18-854-5339 1Q1Y2 Los

Angeles

0900 7001 S.

Central

Ave Room

312

Los

Angeles

CA 90052-9998

04-101-6007 1QV36 Louisiana 0700 701 Loyola

Ave

New

Orleans

LA 70113-9995

92-673-1142 1QWN4 Maine 0040 380

Riverside

Portland ME 04103-7040

17-984-0384 1QWF3 Mid

America

0640 315 W

Pershing

Rd Room

536

Kansas

City

MO 64108-9995

79-770-9276 1QWL8 Mid

Carolinas

0280 2901

South I85

Service Rd

Charlotte NC 28228-9950

92-697-8255 1QWN5 Middlesex

Central

0018 74 Main

Street

North

Reading

MA 01889-9995

18-999-9480 1Q957 Milwaukee 0530 350 W

Saint Paul

Ave

Milwaukee WI 53203-9521

18-999-9779 1QWG1 Mississippi 0390 1461

Lakeover

Rd.

Jackson MS 39205-9998

18-410-3935 1QWF9 New

Hampshire

0030 955 Goffs

Falls Rd

STE 995

Manchester NH 03103-9995

07-105-1478 1QV99 New York 0100 421 8th

Ave Room

3007

New York NY 10199-9995

60-315-2026 1QWH5 North

Florida

0320 PO Box

40005

Jacksonville FL 32203-0005

06-995-3321 1QV98 Northern

Illinois

0600 500 E

Fullerton

Ave

Carol

Stream

IL 60199-9995

12-725-5961 1QWD1 Northern

New

Jersey

0070 494 Broad

St Rm 316

Newark NJ 07102-9351

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

76 CHAPTER 2

CCR Registration List (United States Postal Service)--Continued

DUNS Number (M) CAGE

Code

(M) if

foreign

Division

Name

Division

Number

Street

Address(M)

City(M) State(M) Zip/Postal

Code (M)

www.ccr2000.com

86-016-4516 1QWM6 Northern

Virginia

0220 8409 Lee

Highway

Merrifield VA 22081-9995

18-866-5160 1QWG0 Northland 0553 100 S 1st

St Room

411

Minneapolis MN 55401-9995

07-169-2529 1QWR6 Oakland 0945 1675 7th St Oakland CA 94615-9998

93-883-6475 1QW15 Oklahoma 0730 3030 NW

Expressway

Oklahoma

City

OK 73198-9995

06-843-5259 1QWR3 Philadelphia 0190 2970

Market St

Room 309A

Philadelphia PA 19104-9995

12-168-0045 1QWT4 Pittsburg 0150 1001

California

Ave Room

2389

Pittsburgh PA 15290-9996

62-216-3772 1QWY1 Portland 0970 715 NW

Hoyt St

Portland OR 97208-8097

16-605-5103 1QWY5 Providence 0028 24 Corliss

Providence RI 02904-9995

62-660-2783 1QWY6 Richmond 0230 1801 Brook

Richmond VA 23232-9995

83-597-0021 1QW07 Rio Grand 0780 1 Post

Office Dr

San Antonio TX 78284-9995

19-000-1979 1QWW4 Royal Oak 0480 600

Minnesota

Troy MI 48083-9500

55-621-1613 1QWX0 Sacramento 0956 3775

Industrial

Blvd

West

Sacramento

CA 95799-0050

19-000-2142 1QWW5 Salt Lake 0840 1760 West

2100 South

Salt Lake

City

UT 84199-9995

96-542-6364 1QW21 San Diego 0920 11251

Rancho

Carmel Dr

San Diego CA 92199-9995

19-000-2316 1Q958 San

Francisco

0940 PO Box

884474

San

Francisco

CA 94188-4474

78-727-3333 1QWZ5 San Jose 0950 1750 Lundy

Ave

San Jose CA 95101-9998

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

77 CHAPTER 2

CCR Registration List (United States Postal Service)--Continued

DUNS Number (M) CAGE

Code

(M) if

foreign

Division

Name

Division

Number

Street

Address(M)

City(M) State(M) Zip/Postal

Code (M)

www.ccr2000.com

61-824-3489 1QWY0 Santa Ana 0926 3101 W

Sunflower

Santa Ana CA 92799-9331

19-000-2456 1Q959 Seattle 0980 415 1st

Avenue North

Seattle WA 98109-4504

19-000-2571 1Q960 South

Florida

0330 2200 NW

72nd Avenue

Miami FL 33152-9511

12-727-4251 1QWT7 South

Georgia

0310 451 College

Macon GA 31213-9995

80-530-5893 1QXL2 South

Jersey

0080 PO Box 9001 Bellmawr NJ 08099-9998

87-851-0510 1QXM7 Spokane 0990 707 W Main

Ave Ste 600

Spokane WA 99299-9995

80-524-8960 1QXL1 Springfield 0010 1883 Main St Springfield MA 01101-9995

06-861-7773 1QW71 Suncoast 0335 2203 N. Lois

Ave, Ste 1050

Tampa FL 33607-7150

19-001-1119 1QXF6 Tennessee 0370 525 Royal

Parkway

Nashville TN 37229-9995

87-932-3418 1QXM8 Triboro 0110 14202 20th

Ave

Flushing NY 11351-9995

83-568-9837 1QXL8 Van Nuys 0913 28201

Franklin

Parkway

Santa

Clarita

CA 91383-9995

17-640-6759 1QXF2 Westchester 0105 1000

Westchester

Ave Room

2-228

White

Plains

NY 10610-9995

07-146-9910 1QW73 Western

New York

0140 1200 William

Buffalo NY 14240-9995

88-396-9412 1Q588 Stamp

Fulfilment

Office

-- 300 NE

Underground

Drive Pillar

210

Kansas

City

MO 64144-0001

00-326-1245+0001 1RDJ7 USPS -

Ascom

Hasler

-- 475 L'Enfant

Plaza SW

Washington DC 20260-5130

00-326-1245+0004 1RD40 USPS -

Neopost

-- 475 L'Enfant

Plaza SW

Washington DC 20260-5130

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

78 CHAPTER 2

CCR Registration List (United States Postal Service)--Continued

DUNS Number (M) CAGE

Code

(M) if

foreign

Division

Name

Division

Number

Street

Address(M)

City(M) State(M) Zip/Postal

Code (M)

www.ccr2000.com

00-326-1245+0002 1RD39 USPS -

Pitney

Bowes

-- 475

L'Enfant

Plaza SW

Washington DC 20260-5130

00-326-1245+0010 1RD42 USPS -

Postalia

-- 475

L'Enfant

Plaza SW

Washington DC 20260-5130

00-326-1245+0005 1RD41 USPS-CAPS -- 475

L'Enfant

Plaza SW

Washington DC 20260-5130

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

79 CHAPTER 2

Figure C2.F3. USPS Corporate Treasurer's Letter to Postmaster

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

80 CHAPTER 2

C3. CHAPTER 3

ADDRESSES

C3.1. GENERAL

This Chapter sets forth the policies and procedures for the assignment, format, printing,

verifying, and use of addresses within the Department of Defense.

C3.2. ADDRESS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (AMS)

C3.2.1. United States Postal Services' (USPS') AMS Database. The USPS' AMS

database contains all deliverable addresses. It is the basis for all bar-coding and

automated mail processing. Street addresses with the secondary designators (when

applicable) must be included in the AMS database.

C3.2.2. USPS' AMS Offices:

C3.2.2.1. Enter city names, street addresses and secondary unit designators

into the AMS database. They also assign ZIP+4 Codes and process requests for

additional 5-digit ZIP Codes. (NOTE: The only time more than one 5-digit ZIP Code

is need on a DoD installation is if more than 9,999 +4 Codes are needed. When this

happens, the USPS will automatically assign an additional ZIP Code, if one is available.)

C3.2.2.2. Are responsible for addresses in a particular area. The address and

telephone number for the AMS office for a particular location can be found via the

USPS' Home Page. The address is "http://www.usps.com/." Click on LOCATE. Follow

the directions when a new screen appears.

C3.3. ASSIGNMENT OF ADDRESSES

All DoD addresses, not just official mail addresses, shall be assigned so they are

compatible with the USPS' automated delivery point sequencing.

C3.3.1. Military post office (MPO) addresses shall include the unit, postal service

center (PSC), or consolidated mail room (CMR) address and secondary unit designator,

as appropriate.

C3.3.2. In areas served by the USPS:

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

81 CHAPTER 3

C3.3.2.1. The DoD Installations' names shall be included as city or community

names in the AMS database. (NOTE: If the AMS Office is reluctant to include

installation names, refer them to Domestic Mail Manual A010.6.3 (reference (f)).) (It

states the installation's name must appear in the address.) If the installation shares a

ZIP Code with a civilian community, the AMS Office can code the street addresses on

the installation so the preferred city or community name for those addresses is the

installation's name, not the civilian community's name.)

C3.3.2.2. The DoD installation is responsible for assigning city-style, street

addresses on the installation. Contact the local city planning or zoning office if

assistance is needed. Some engineering firms also do this type of work.

C3.3.2.2.1. Street addresses shall be assigned and used even though a DoD

activity may deliver the mail to the addressee.

C3.3.2.2.2. The sorting and delivery of all mail, including internal, shall

be based on the street address and secondary unit designator, and the city, State, ZIP+4

Code.

C3.3.2.2.3. Street addresses assigned by the Department of Defense shall

not duplicate addresses found in adjacent civilian communities. The responsible AMS

Office will know if the proposed DoD addresses duplicate non-DoD addresses. Once

the name of a street has been entered into the AMS database and is being used as a mail

address it shall not be changed because it creates unnecessary changes of address.

C3.3.2.2.4. Only geographically locatable civilian-style street address

(such as 1234 Telles Avenue) shall be used. EXCEPTION: U.S. Marine Corps

deploying units may use either post office box addresses or a street style address.

Prior to use, such addresses shall be coordinated with the installation's postal officer,

the serving postmaster and AMS office.

C3.3.2.2.5. DoD installations shall not use one street address for the

entire installation and then use secondary unit designators such as "Building 123" to

designate the delivery addresses on the installation. Doing so precludes the automated

sorting of mail to more than one destination in a building.

C3.3.2.2.6. Addresses such as "Building 123 Roberts Street" are not a

valid address format and shall not be used.

C3.3.2.2.7. The acronyms PSC and CMR shall be used only in MPO

addresses.

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

82 CHAPTER 3

C3.3.2.3. Address Placement

C3.3.2.3.1. Place addresses by the front entrance of the building so they

can be seen from the street.

C3.3.2.3.2. Place both the street name and address number on the

building if both the building number and the street address number are visible from the

street. This same type of sign shall be used on buildings placed diagonally on street

corners and on buildings set back from the street so far it is not obvious to which street

they belong.

C3.3.2.4. Secondary unit designators, such as suite, room, unit, or stop, etc.,

followed by a number, shall be used when there is more than one activity, office, or mail

receptacle at the same street address.

C3.3.2.4.1. Secondary unit designators shall refer only to locations,

activities, or mail receptacles physically located at the street address with which they

are used.

C3.3.2.4.2. Secondary unit designators shall be assigned as follows:

C3.3.2.4.2.1. Use only the secondary unit designator names (e.g.,

suite, room, stop, etc.) listed in USPS Publication 28, "Postal Addressing Standard,"

(reference (r)). The word "box" shall not be used as a secondary unit designator because

it may result in mail being sent to Post Office boxes instead of the intended location.

C3.3.2.4.2.2. In Postnet delivery point barcodes, the last two digits

of the secondary unit designator number are placed after the ZIP+4 Code. This allows

the USPS' automated sorting equipment to sort the mail in secondary unit designator (or

delivery point) sequence.

C3.3.2.4.2.2.1. Since the Postnet barcode does not accept alpha

characters, they are not allowed in the number following the secondary unit designator's

name. For example, use Suite 123, not Suite ABC.

C3.3.2.4.2.2.2. The USPS' automated equipment cannot sort the

mail in delivery sequence if the last two digits of the secondary unit designator are

duplicated within a +4 Code. For example, Suites 010, 110, 210, and 310 all end in

10. If they are used with the same +4 Code, the mail for all three will end up

intermixed in one bundle.

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

83 CHAPTER 3

C3.3.2.5. Written requests for adding streets and secondary unit designators

(if applicable) must be sent to the AMS Office (see paragraph C3.2.2.2.) responsible

for the area where the street addresses are located. That office will enter them and

assign the ZIP+4 Codes. The written request should:

C3.3.2.5.1. Ask that the streets and/or secondary unit designators be

added to the file and coded in a manner that allows efficient manual sorting and future

automated delivery point sequencing to the secondary unit designator level when the

later are used.

C3.3.2.5.2. Show a separate listing (including the street address and

secondary unit designator range) for each + Code desired. (For example: If two +4

Codes are desired, the first line would read 123 Iolani Street Stops 001 through 060.

The next line would read 123 Iolani Street Stops 061 through 120.

C3.3.2.5.2.1. Any number of secondary unit designators can be

included in a range as long as the last two digits of the designators are not duplicated.

For example, Stops 10 and 110 can not be included in the same range because 10 is the

last two digits in both. This limits the number of secondary unit designators per +4

Code to 100.

C3.3.2.5.2.2. Where the secondary unit designators refer to

distribution cases or mail receptacles and the cases or receptacles are divided into

physically separated groups, one +4 Code should be requested for each group.

Additional +4 Codes should be requested if any group has more than 100 secondary unit

designators.

C3.3.2.5.3. The request should also indicate:

C3.3.2.4.2.1. Whether the secondary designators are residential or

business addresses.

C3.3.2.5.3.2. Whether the secondary designators are vacant or

seasonal addresses (used only part of the year). If seasonal, indicate when the

addresses are vacant (e.g., May, June, and July).

C3.3.2.5.3.3. The number of families or businesses per secondary

designator: (Normally it is one).

C3.3.2.5.3.4. Which days delivery is not provided if the address does

not receive delivery six days per week.

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

84 CHAPTER 3

C3.3.2.6. City Names

C3.3.2.6.1. A DoD installation's name is the same as a city's name and

shall be used as the city name by all activities on the installation (see DMM A010.6.3.,

reference (f)). Installation names shall not be changed when the installation's status

changes after 31 December 2001. Doing so creates unnecessary changes in thousands

of address lists within and outside the Department of Defense. Status indicators are

words such as annex, Reserve, camp, station, and words that indicate the type of activity

on the installation.

C3.3.2.6.2. A Washington, DC address shall be used only by those DoD

activities physically located within the District of Columbia and the Pentagon building.

C3.3.2.6.3. DoD activities not covered by the above shall use the name of

the city specified by the USPS for their location.

C3.3.3. Only the USPS can deliver items to Post Office Box addresses, normally a

fee must be paid to use such addresses, the box holders must go to the post office to

pick-up the mail, and there are limitations on mail forwarding when the boxes are

closed. Post Office Box addresses may be used only:

C3.3.3.1. For responses to recruiting publicity, surveys, and other purposes

where the mailer is unlikely to want to use an overnight service or a carrier other than

the USPS.

C3.3.3.2. By DoD activities served by post offices that have only post office

box delivery.

C3.3.3.3. By U.S. Marine Corps deploying units. Also, see paragraph

C3.3.2.2.4.

C3.3.4. The USPS shall be instructed, in writing, to return to the sender all

incoming official and personal mail for non-deploying units/commands without a valid

street address beginning 6 months after an installation/activity converts to geographical

locatable civilian-style street addresses. After that, any mail received from the USPS

without a valid street address shall be stamped "Return to Sender, Insufficient Address"

and returned to the USPS.

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

85 CHAPTER 3

C3.4. USES OF ADDRESSES

C3.4.1. All business cards, organizational sections of telephone directories,

letterheads and stationery items, and publicity items shall include the correct street

address and secondary unit designator (when appropriate) instead of the building

number. When an organization has elements at more than one street address, the street

address where the element is located shall be used in the letterhead and addresses for

that element.

C3.4.2. All permanent change of station orders and temporary duty orders for

more than 14 days at one location shall include the correct address where the individual

can receive mail for not more than four months while a permanent address is

established. The address provided must match an address in the AMS database. (See

section C3.5. for information on how to check the address against the AMS database.)

The USPS' Computerized Forwarding System (commonly called CFS) normally requires

the old and new addresses to match addresses in the AMS database.

C3.5. VERIFYING ADDRESSES

C3.5.1. An increasing number of software programs are becoming available that

automatically match addresses against the AMS database when addresses are typed

and/or entered into mailing lists and databases. The use of these programs is

encouraged.

C3.5.2. ZIP+4 Codes and street addresses can also be verified on the Internet.

C3.5.2.1. Go to the USPS' Home Page at "http://www.usps.com/" and click on

"Find ZIP+4 Codes."

C3.5.2.2. When the ZIP+4 Code Lookup menu appears, follow the prompts on

the new screen that appears. (NOTE: Enter the installation's name as the city name. If

the address is found, a standardized address and ZIP + Code will be provided.)

C3.5.2.3. There are several reasons why an address may not be found.

C3.5.2.3.1. The street, city, or State names or abbreviations may be

spelled wrong. Make the necessary corrections and try again.

C3.5.2.3.2. The street number may not be within the range of valid

numbers for that street.

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

86 CHAPTER 3

C3.5.2.3.3. The street name and number may not be in the database

because it is a new housing development or industrial park that has not been entered into

the AMS database. Many college and university addresses are also not listed. Also, if

the DoD installation has not converted to street addresses its addresses will not be

there.

C3.5.2.3.4. There are three potential causes if the installation has street

addresses, and the addresses are not found: the addresses were not entered in the AMS

database, the addresses were not associated with the installation's name in the AMS

database, or the installation's name is not considered a valid city name in the AMS

database. Follow these procedures to identify the cause.

C3.5.2.3.4.1. First, verify whether the installation's name is

considered a valid city name. Go back to the ZIP+4 Code Lookup menu and click on

"City State/ZIP Code Associations." Enter the installation's name followed by a comma,

a space, and the state's name or two-letter abbreviation. (NOTES: Be sure they are

spelled correctly. Normally, the installation's name will be spelled out in the database,

such as Andrews Air Force Base. Commonly used abbreviated forms, such as Andrews

AFB, are also frequently included. One of these versions of the name must be entered

to obtain a match.)

C3.5.2.3.4.2. If the installation's name is a valid city name, the ZIP

Code(s) assigned to the installation will be provided. In this case, the problem is with

the street address. See paragraph C3.5.2.3.3.

C3.5.2.3.4.3. If the installation's name is not a valid city name, enter

the installation's ZIP Code instead of the name of the installation and State. The name

of the post office to which the ZIP Code is assigned will appear. If the post office on

the installation does not have its own postmaster, the installation's name should appear

as a community name. If the installation's name does not appear the responsible

Address Management Systems Office must change the AMS. See paragraph C3.2.2. for

who to contact.

C3.6. ADDRESS FORMATS

C3.6.1. The use of office symbols and mail codes is discouraged, as they are more

difficult to sort mail by than ZIP+4 Codes and plain English text. They are not

necessary when appropriate secondary unit designators are included in the delivery

address line. USPS Publication 28, "Postal Addressing Standards" contains a list of

acceptable secondary address unit designators.

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

87 CHAPTER 3

C3.6.2. Each address line will be limited to a maximum of 40 characters (including

spaces) with a maximum of 8 separate words. Addresses shall have a minimum of three

lines and not more than five lines arranged in the following order:

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Attention line

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Optional Line

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Name of DoD Activity

Street address, Suite #

or PO Box # Delivery address line

City State ZIP+4 Code Last line

C3.6.2.1. Last Line. This line contains the City, State, and ZIP+4 Code. See

paragraph C3.3.2.2. for information about city names.

C3.6.2.2. Delivery Address Line. This line shall consist of a street address,

and when appropriate, a secondary unit designator (such as suite (STE) or room (RM))

or a post office box number. (See USPS Publication 28, sections 211, 212, 213,

reference (r)). ) A street address consists of the street number and street's name such

as 2461 Eisenhower Avenue. (NOTE: Addresses having a post office box address may

include a street address. This is called a dual address and requires special treatment.

See paragraph C3.6.2.6.)

C3.6.2.3. Name of DoD Activity Line. This line shall consist of the name of

the DoD activity.

C3.6.2.4. Optional Line. This line may be used only when the Name of DoD

Activity Line and the Attention Line do not adequately identify the addressee.

C3.6.2.5. Attention Line. The attention line contains the name of the office

or title of a position (e.g. Supply Officer) that is to receive the item. When known, the

action officer's name may be placed at the end of this line. "Commander" may be used

only when the name of the appropriate office is unknown.

C3.6.2.6. Dual Addresses. A dual address occurs when both a street address

and a PO Box address appear in the address. USPS normally delivers to which ever

appears in the delivery line. If both appear in the delivery line the mail will be delivered

to the PO Box. See DMM A010.5 (reference (f)).

C3.6.3. The standard address abbreviations specified in USPS Publication 25

(reference (o)) and USPS Publication 28 (reference (r))shall be used in the last line, the

delivery line, and the DoD Activity Name Line. Other variations are not recognized by

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

88 CHAPTER 3

the USPS' automated equipment. The DoD Activity Name Line may also be spelled as

it appears in the USPS' ZIP+4 Files. Most abbreviations found in dictionaries are also

acceptable.

C3.6.4. "Resident," "occupant," or similar forms of address shall not be used except

on items addressed to Government quarters/housing.

C3.6.5. Return Addresses

C3.6.5.1. Formats

C3.6.5.1.1. Format A. The DoD preferred format for return addresses on

all prepaid postage mail. It is mandatory for customs and security reasons on mail

addressed to and from MPOs and on international mail.

NAME OF DoD COMPONENT DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

Attention Line Supply Officer

Name of DoD Activity 30th Engineer Battalion

Delivery Line 1234 Belvoir Blvd

Last Line Fort Jones, VA xxxxx-xxxx

OFFICIAL BUSINESS OFFICIAL BUSINESS

C3.6.5.1.2. Format B. Optional on prepaid postage mail when the use of

Format A is not required.

Attention Line Supply Officer

Name of DoD Activity 30th Engineer Battalion

Delivery Line 1234 Belvoir Blvd

Last Line Fort Jones, VA xxxxx-xxxx

C3.7. PRINTING ADDRESSES

C3.7.1. Delivery addresses may be hand printed (hand printed, no script) only when

no automation or other methods of typing are available. In cases where offices lack the

equipment necessary to prepare addresses complying with the USPS requirements for

automated mail processing, preprinted address labels for addresses to which items are

regularly sent shall be obtained from higher command levels. Hand printed addresses

must be legible and easily read. Hand written or mechanically produced script and

slanted letters shall not be used in addresses. See DMM C630 (reference (f)) for

acceptable fonts and type sizes and additional instructions. Both capital and small

letters may be used. Labels may be used for addressing all sizes of mail.

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

89 CHAPTER 3

C3.7.2. Return Addresses

C3.7.2.1. Preprinting the return address on envelopes is optional.

C3.7.2.2. Under certain conditions, the USPS' automated equipment may read

the return address, think it is the delivery address, barcode it accordingly, and send the

piece back to the mailer. Prevent this by using a font and type size not listed as

acceptable in DMM C630 (reference (f)).

C3.7.3. Rubber stamps frequently create unreadable addresses and shall not be

used for either return or delivery addresses.

C3.8. ADDRESS CHANGES

It is essential that DoD activities keep their addresses up to date. DoD activities shall

submit USPS change of address cards when any of the events listed below occur. Also,

contact the local USPS account representative or Business Service Center to have

appropriate changes made in the AMS database.

C3.8.1. An activity moves.

C3.8.2. An activity ceases to conduct business under its current name (may be

renamed, deactivated, or cease to exist).

C3.8.3. A new DoD activity begins conducting business (may be the result of a

renaming, activation, or creation).

C3.9. ZIP CODES AND BARCODES

C3.9.1. Assignment of new or additional ZIP+4 Codes shall be requested from the

responsible Address Management Systems Office. See paragraph C3.5.2.3.4.2.

(NOTE: DoD activities that have an MPO return address should contact their MPO to

obtain additional +4 Codes.)

C3.9.2. Use of the ZIP+4 Code is mandatory in all return addresses.

C3.9.3. Use of the ZIP+4 Code in delivery addresses is encouraged when known or

when determining it is cost-effective.

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

90 CHAPTER 3

C3.9.4. The ZIP+4 Code on dual addresses must correspond to the place where

USPS delivers the mail. See DMM A010.5 (reference (f)).

C3.9.5. ZIP+4 Codes used on business reply mail (BRM) and merchandise return

service (MRS) differ from those used on regular mail. The ZIP+4 Codes, and barcodes,

provided by USPS for these purposes shall be used.

C3.9.6. The application of barcodes recognized by the USPS is encouraged when

cost-effective. (NOTE: Barcodes created by word processing, database, spreadsheet,

and similar computer programs normally do not qualify for postage discounts because

the program does not match the addresses against the AMS database nor provide the

documentation required by the USPS. Barcodes printed by these programs shall not be

put on mail because they may not be correct and the USPS' automated mail processing

equipment ignores them.)

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

91 CHAPTER 3

C4. CHAPTER 4

TERRORIST THREATS

C4.1. GENERAL

This Chapter provides information about and guidance on terrorist threats involving mail

and place bombs plus biological and chemical agents. All mail center managers shall

include instructions on what to do if a threat is received in their mail centers' written

operating procedures. All mail center personnel shall be educated on the instructions.

C4.2. MAIL BOMBS

C4.2.1. General. Unfortunately, a small number of mail bombs HAVE been mailed

over the years. While most of them are sent through the USPS, they can also be sent

through any other carrier. MAIL BOMBS MUST BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY. They can

kill and seriously injure. Fortunately, THE LIKELIHOOD OF YOUR EVER

RECEIVING A BOMB IN THE MAIL IS VERY REMOTE. Motives for mail bombs are

often revenge, extortion, terrorism, or business disputes.

C4.2.2. Mail Bomb Characteristics. Mail bombs can be enclosed in either a letter

or a parcel. Its outward appearance is limited only by the imagination of the sender.

Mail bombs may, or may not, have one or more of the characteristics listed below.

They may even appear to be official mail. Your local police and the nearest Postal

Inspector in charge (obtain the address from your post office) can provide more

information about mail bombs and what to do when a piece of mail is suspected to be a

potential bomb. Most mail bombs are aimed at a specific person and so are designed to

explode when opened.

C4.2.2.1. All mail bombs may:

C4.2.2.1.1. Bear restricted endorsements such as "personal" or "private."

C4.2.2.1.2. Have an inaccurate addressee's name and/or title.

C4.2.2.1.3. Have distorted handwriting, or the name and address may be

prepared with homemade labels or cut-and-paste lettering.

C4.2.2.1.4. Have protruding wires, aluminum foil, or oil stains visible, and

may give off peculiar smells.

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

92 CHAPTER 4

C4.2.2.1.5. Have a large number of postage stamps.

C4.2.2.1.6. Feel rigid or appear uneven or lopsided.

C4.2.2.2. Parcel mail bombs may:

C4.2.2.2.1. Appear unprofessionally wrapped with several combinations

of tape.

C4.2.2.2.2. Be endorsed "Fragile-handle with care" or "Rush-do not delay."

C4.2.2.2.3. Make a buzzing or ticking noise, or a sloshing sound.

C4.2.3. Bomb Threat Precautions. IF YOU HAVE ANY REASON TO BELIEVE A

LETTER OR PARCEL IS SUSPICIOUS, DO NOT TAKE A CHANCE OR WORRY

ABOUT POSSIBLE EMBARRASSMENT IF THE ITEM TURNS OUT TO BE

INNOCENT. Take the following actions:

C4.2.3.1. DO NOT OPEN THE ITEM.

C4.2.3.2. ISOLATE THE ITEM AND EVACUATE THE IMMEDIATE AREA.

C4.2.3.3. LEAVE THE ITEM IN AN OPEN AREA WHERE A ROBOT CAN

EASILY PICK IT UP AND MOVE IT.

C4.2.3.4. DO NOT PUT THE ITEM IN WATER OR A CONFINED SPACE

SUCH AS A DESK DRAWER OR A FILING CABINET. If it is placed there and it

explodes, pieces of the drawer or cabinet will become flying shrapnel and injure those

trying to remove it.

C4.2.3.5. IF POSSIBLE, OPEN WINDOWS IN THE IMMEDIATE AREA TO

ASSIST IN VENTING POTENTIALLY EXPLOSIVE GASES.

C4.2.3.6. FIND OUT IF THE ADDRESSEE IS EXPECTING THE LETTER OR

PARCEL AND ADVISE THE ADDRESSEE THAT IT MAY CONTAIN A BOMB.

C4.2.3.7. IMMEDIATELY CONTACT YOUR LOCAL POLICE AND POSTAL

INSPECTOR FOR PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE. (NOTE: At military post office

(MPO) locations contact the military police and the MPO.)

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

93 CHAPTER 4

C4.3. PLACE BOMBS

Place bombs are bombs that are put in place by the bomber. DO NOT MOVE

SUSPICIOUS ITEMS OR ITEMS NEAR THEM. IMMEDIATELY EVACUATE THE

AREA AND NOTIFY YOUR SECURITY OFFICE.

C4.3.1. Place bombs may be aimed at anyone near them, or a specific person.

C4.3.2. Place bombs may explode when they are moved, when something else is

moved, at a specific time, or by remote control.

C4.3.3. A place bomb may be in a vehicle, a box, a briefcase, a toy, or anything

else. The appearance and placement of a place bomb is limited only by the imagination

of the bomber. There may or may not be a warning about the bomb from the bomber.

C4.4. BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL THREATS

The Center for Disease Control recommends the following actions be taken if your

activity receives an Anthrax threat.

C4.4.1. Double bag the letter in zipper-type plastic bags using latex gloves and a

particulate (or tuberculosis) mask.

C4.4.2. Notify both local police (military and civilian) and the Federal Bureau of

Investigation (they will arrange to collect the letter) of the threat.

C4.4.3. Notify the local, county and State health departments.

C4.4.4. Notify the State emergency manager.

C4.4.5. Ensure all persons who have touched the letter wash their hands with soap

and water. Hand washing is sufficient for those who have touched the envelope and

letter. Decontamination or prophylaxis is not warranted.

C4.4.6. List all persons who have touched the letter and/or envelope and provide

the list to public health authorities.

C4.4.7. Notify the Center for Disease Control Emergency Response at

770-488-7100. Also call them if you have any questions or need more information.

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

94 CHAPTER 4

C5. CHAPTER 5

DoD DIPLOMATIC POUCH MAIL

C5.1. PURPOSE

This Chapter establishes the policies and procedures to be followed by DoD activities

using the Department of State (DoS) Diplomatic Pouch Service (DPS).

C5.2. GENERAL

C5.2.1. DoD activities may use the diplomatic pouch only if there is no other

expedient, cost beneficial, international mail service available. The international mail

system and the Military Postal Service (MPS) shall be used when possible. Generally,

this means the pouch will be used only for classified material, material too large for

postal channels, or to diplomatic posts without MPS support. DoD activities using the

pouch shall abide by DoS requirements. The DoS requirements are paraphrased in

Appendix 2.

C5.2.2. Empty Pouches. All DoD activities shall immediately return empty

pouches to the Diplomatic Pouch and Mail Division (DPMD) or the diplomatic post.

DoD activities shall not use diplomatic pouches for any purpose other than as a

diplomatic pouch.

C5.2.3. Violations. Employees who violate these DoD or DoS policies shall be

subject to loss of pouch privileges and/or disciplinary action.

C5.3. PREPARATION OF MAIL

C5.3.1. Items from Diplomatic Posts

C5.3.1.1. When the diplomatic post charges for use of the pouch service, the

originating DoD Component is responsible for paying those charges for all items it

sends through the pouch.

C5.3.1.2. Items originating at diplomatic posts and intended for dispatch into

the domestic postal system, including the military post office (MPO) addresses, are

turned over to United States Postal Service (USPS) at the DPMD. These items must

meet USPS standards and other requirements of this Manual.

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

95 CHAPTER 5

C5.3.1.2.1. The originator shall apply the appropriate amount of postage

at the full, single piece rate. Use the USPS Zone Chart (Figure C5.F1.) to determine

the correct zone for zone-rated postage. When application of postage on official,

unclassified, mailable items is not feasible at the diplomatic post send the items to the

parent DoD Component for application of postage.

C5.3.1.2.2. The various postal discounts for ZIP+4, pre-bar-coded,

presort, and bulk rates require special documentation and shall not be used.

C5.3.1.2.3. USPS special services such as registered, certified, insured,

etc., are not available on this mail.

C5.3.1.2.4. All unclassified, non-mailable items (because of size, weight,

or content) shall be prepared as required by Department of State (DoS). Tell the

addressee the item is being shipped so arrangements can be made to pick up the item on

arrival at the DPMD.

C5.3.2. Items for Diplomatic Posts

C5.3.2.1. Unclassified Items

C5.3.2.1.1. Use the diplomatic pouch only when a military post office

address cannot be used.

C5.3.2.1.2. Prepare FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY items per DoD 5400.7-R

(reference (p)).

C5.3.2.1.3. Do NOT use accountable mail (Express Mail, registered,

certified, insured). These services end at DoS.

C5.3.2.1.4. Use the address format shown in paragraph AP2.4.3.1.

C5.3.2.2. Classified Items

C5.3.2.2.1. Classified items entered into the DPS must be marked

"CONFIDENTIAL," "SECRET," or "TOP SECRET," plus any other markings required by

DoD 5200.1-R (reference (n)). These are the only DoD classified indicators

recognized by DoS. DoS assumes items not bearing one of those indicators are

unclassified. Items marked in a way which implies they might be classified or

administratively controlled (i.e., "By Courier," "NOFORN," etc.) will not be accepted.

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

96 CHAPTER 5

C5.3.2.2.2. All CONFIDENTIAL and SECRET material must be registered

in accordance with paragraph C5.4.3.2.3.3.2., below.

C5.3.2.2.3. The following apply to CONFIDENTIAL and SECRET items

mailed:

C5.3.2.2.3.1. Use the diplomatic pouch only when a military post

office address cannot be used.

C5.3.2.2.3.2. Prepare the outer wrapper according to appropriate

security requirements of reference (n). Address it per paragraph AP2.4.3.2.1.

C5.3.2.2.3.3. The inner wrapper shall be addressed per paragraph

AP2.4.3.2.2.

C5.3.2.2.3.4. The appropriate security markings and be prepared as

required by reference (n).

C5.3.2.3.4. Registry Number. Any item entered into the Diplomatic

Pouch Service (DPS) for which the originator wants a receipt signature from DPMD

shall be clearly marked "REGISTERED" and shall have a registry number. The registry

number shall be preceded by a designation which identifies it as the registry number; i.e.,

RegNum: 123456. (Registered material received for forwarding is not assigned a

number by the forwarding office, but is identified by the originator's registry number.)

The registry number shall be typewritten. On envelopes and flats the registry number

shall appear in the lower left corner of the envelope or the address label. On parcels

and nonconveyables the registry number shall be in the lower left corner of the address

label. (When items are sent to the DPMD via USPS registered mail, the USPS

registered mail number on the outer wrapper shall be used as the registry number on the

inner wrapper. When items for more than one addressee are consolidated under one

USPS registry number, identify each item by adding a different letter after the USPS

registry number on the inner wrapper.)

C5.3.3. DoD TOP SECRET material shall be sent via the Defense Courier Service

(DCS) to the DoS for delivery by appropriate means. The Defense Courier Service

(DCS)-unique two-line address for DoS is:

449321-BA23

DOS SEC OF STATE

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

97 CHAPTER 5

Figure C5.F1. U.S. Postal Service Official Zone Chart

U.S. POSTAL SERVICE OFFICIAL ZONE CHART FOR MAIL ORIGINATING FROM ZIP

CODES BEGINNING WITH 200 - 205, 209, AND 220 - 223

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

98 CHAPTER 5

C6. CHAPTER 6

MAIL CENTER OPERATIONS - STARTING, ENDING, AND MOVING

C6.1. PURPOSE

This Chapter sets forth guidance on beginning mail service, guidance for activity

deactivations and installation closures, guidance for activity or mail center movement or

name changes, planing the new mail center, designing the mail center, and establishing

the new mail center.

C6.2. GUIDANCE FOR BEGINNING MAIL SERVICE

This guidance is designed to help smooth the beginning of mail operations when a new

activity is created. When a new DoD Component is being created, contact the DoD

Official Mail Manager, Military Postal Service Agency, 2461 Eisenhower Ave STE 812,

Alexandria, VA 22331-0006 or at [email protected].

C6.2.1. Ask the following questions. Where will the activity be located? When

will it begin operations there? Does the building exist or is it being built to the

activity's specifications? Will the activity be located on one floor or more than one

floor in the new building? Who is designing the new facility? Who is allocating the

space? Who is coordinating the move into the facility?

C6.2.2. Designing the new mail center should be a top priority. It is very costly

and may be impossible to make changes after the building has been designed and

especially so once construction has begun. Contact the facility's designer, the one

allocating the space, and the move coordinator to arrange to meet with them regarding

the size and design of the new mail center, delivery of mail in the new facility, and the

move to the new facility. Guidance on things to consider in designing the new mail

center is included in section C6.6.

C6.2.3. What staff element will operate the mail center?

C6.2.4. Find out how to hire mail center employees. The mail center is a vital

communications and transportation center for the activity. Since its employees can

affect the efficiency of the entire activity, they must be trustworthy. Be sure to check

the selected applicants' references, particularly former employers. When properly

completed, the guidance on things to consider in designing the new mail center

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

99 CHAPTER 6

in C6.5. will provide the justification for needed employees as well as the duties and

qualification requirements to be included in their position descriptions.

C6.2.5. United States Postal Service (USPS)-related actions:

C6.2.5.1. Coordinating the move with the USPS Account Representative or

Postal Business Center is very important. Start it as soon as possible. The post office

near the new location will know which Account Representative or Postal Business

Center to contact for assistance in establishing postal service for the new location.

C6.2.5.2.1. The date operations are to begin.

C6.2.5.2.2. The street address and suite number (if applicable and known)

where mail is to be delivered.

C6.2.5.2.3. The approximate annual dollar value of postage to be used by

the organization.

C6.2.5.2.4. Estimated volumes by type of outgoing mail (letters, flats,

parcels, Express Mail, and special services such as insured, certified, registered).

C6.2.5.2.5. Estimated volumes by type of incoming mail (letters, flats,

parcels, Express Mail, business reply mail, return service, and special services, such as

insured, certified, registered).

C6.2.5.3. Things to be considered or asked:

C6.2.5.3.1. What is the correct address for the new location?

C6.2.5.3.2. What post office provides service to the new location?

C6.2.5.3.3. How, when, and where will the organization's mail be picked

up and delivered? There can be a problem with accountable mail (registered, insured,

certified, and Express Mail) depending on the type of carrier route involved.

C6.2.5.3.4. ZIP Codes and ZIP+4 Codes:

C6.2.5.3.4.1. Are sufficient ZIP+4 Codes available for assignment

to the major delivery points within the organization?

C6.2.5.3.4.2. Organizations receiving large quantities of mail are

sometimes assigned their own ZIP Code.

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

100 CHAPTER 6

C6.2.5.3.4.2.1. If the organization has its own ZIP Code, the

entire range of ZIP+4 Codes from 0002 through 9999 is available for assignment to

elements of the organization. The ZIP+4 Code of 0001 should not be assigned

internally as it is used by the Postal Service as a default. See section C3.3. for

additional guidance.

C6.2.5.3.4.2.2. When the organization has its own ZIP Code, the

Postal Service normally will not sort to the ZIP+4 Code level. When the organization

does not have it own ZIP Code the Postal Service may include the organization's ZIP+4

Codes in the automated mail processing sort plan so the mail arrives at the organization

already sorted to the ZIP+4 Code level.

C6.2.5.3.5. How to apply for permits, business reply mail permit, return

service permit, and Periodicals rate publications permit (as needed).

C6.2.5.3.6. How to design the front of the mail piece and the address to

be used if business reply mail or return service is to be used.

C6.2.5.3.7. How to establish a Centralized Automated Payment Systems

account and/or trust accounts at the local post office (when applicable).

C6.2.5.3.8. How to apply for a postage meter license, if applicable.

C6.2.5.3.9. How to order postage stamps by phone.

C6.2.5.3.10. Where are the various types of permit mailings and postage

discount mailings accepted?

C6.2.5.3.11. Which of the organization's projected mailings are covered

by the Private Express Statutes and thus must go through the USPS unless one of the

exemptions applies? Which mailings are covered by exemptions to the Private Express

Statutes? (Transportation rates, quality of service, and preparation costs for all carriers

should be compared to determine the most cost-effective carrier for items not covered

by the Private Express Statutes and for those items covered by an exemption thereto.)

C6.2.5.3.12. How are stamped envelopes and cards, with or without a

preprinted return address, purchased?

C6.2.5.3.13. What are the qualification requirements for postage

discounts? For what postage discounts may the organization's mail qualify? If it is not

cost-effective for the organization to meet the barcode and presort requirements or the

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

101 CHAPTER 6

volume of mail is insufficient to qualify for discounts, are there any businesses or

organizations in the area that can help qualify the mail?

C6.2.6. Postage Funds

C6.2.6.1. Make necessary changes in budgeting and resource management to

put money at appropriate locations.

C6.2.6.2. Develop and publish procedures on how the official mail manager

will obtain funds when needed and how they are to be controlled and accounted for.

C6.2.6.3. Obtain a check or cash for the initial setting of postage on the new

commercial meter when it is checked into service.

C6.2.6.4. Establish a policy precluding the carry-over of more than 45 days

usage at the end of a fiscal year. This applies to postage stamp inventories, postage on

meters, and funds in trust accounts (TAs). Funds in TAs for meter settings should be

combined with amounts on postage meters for this purpose.

C6.2.6.5. Establish procedures to gather and report prepaid postage purchase

data required by RCS DD-AT&L(SA)1833 (paragraph C2.3.6.). RCS DD-AT&L(SA)

1833, Prepaid Postage Report has been assigned to this information requirement in

accordance with DoD 8910.1-M (reference (e)).

C6.2.7. Equipment

C6.2.7.1. Postage Meters (if used):

C6.2.7.1.1. Apply for a license to operate a "commercial" postage meter

at the post office having jurisdiction over the address where the meter will be used.

C6.2.7.1.2. Specify a commercial, remotely set postage meter in the

lease. Postage meters must be leased. The USPS does not allow them to be purchased.

C6.2.7.1.3. Determine what postage meter-related equipment will be

needed and make arrangements to lease or procure it.

C6.2.7.2. Equipment Placement. See paragraph C6.5.3.3.2.

C6.2.7.3. Equipment Selection. See paragraph C6.5.3.3.3.

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

102 CHAPTER 6

C6.3. GUIDANCE FOR ACTIVITY DEACTIVATIONS AND INSTALLATION

CLOSURES

C6.3.1. Advanced preparation is required to ensure all DoD official mail-related

funds are recovered and properly disposed of when a DoD activity ceases to exist or an

installation is closed.

C6.3.2. When will mail center operations permanently end at the present

location? Obtain an approximate date if the final date is unknown.

C6.3.3. Determine the contract expiration date for all equipment leases and other

contracts for supplies and services. Will the contracts need to be terminated sooner or

extended? Are the quantities provided by the contractor still valid given the amount

currently on hand and the mail center's closing date?

C6.3.4. Contact the various contractors, the local post office, and the Postal

Business Center and/or Account Representative and inform them of the pending change

and ask for assistance.

C6.3.5. Inventory postage on hand and establish limits on additional purchases so

minimal amount is on hand when operations cease.

C6.3.6. Notify correspondents of the change. Ask correspondents to delete the

organization from their mailing lists. Ask for refunds on unexpired periodical

subscriptions. Make sure individuals and DoD activities that move to another location

obtain a new address and submit a PS Form 3575, "Change of Address Order," to the old

postmaster or military post office (MPO).

C6.3.7. Remove internal mail drops to make sure they are empty and that mail has

not fallen between them and the wall.

C6.3.8. Move mail center furniture to make sure mail has not fallen between it and

the wall.

C6.3.9. USPS-Related Matters:

C6.3.9.1. Stop ordering postage far enough in advance so minimal amounts of

postage funds and stamps are on hand when operations cease.

C6.3.9.2. Who is responsible for telling the post office in writing when to

stop delivering incoming mail? Has it been done?

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

103 CHAPTER 6

C6.3.9.3. Has the post office been told in writing what to do with incoming

mail after operations stop? Who is responsible for doing it?

C6.3.9.4. Obtain refunds from all trust accounts with the USPS. NOTE: The

organization may have trust accounts at more than one post office and also may have a

Centralized Automated Payment System (CAPS) Account.

C6.3.9.5. Check postage meters out of service at the post office and obtain

refunds for postage remaining on the meters either on the spot or by completing

Section F (REFUND) on PS Form 3601-C (Postage Meter Activity Report). The meter

manufacturer's representative must be present except when the meter is checked out of

service at MPOs.

C6.3.9.6. Has the activity recently checked out of service a defective postage

meter but the amount remaining on the meter could not be determined? Has the refund

been obtained? If not, what is to happen to it?

C6.3.9.7. What is to be done with the refunds from Postal Service trust

accounts and postage on postage meters?

C6.3.9.8. What is to happen to any postage stamps on hand when operations

stop?

C6.3.9.9. Have all meter licenses and various permits (at one or more post

offices) been canceled in writing?

C6.3.9.10. The names of most DoD installations are listed in the USPS'

address management system AMS database as city names. When an installation closes,

ask the Postal Service to delete its name and ZIP Code from the database. This is very

important for reducing the volume of mail sent to the installation after it closes.

C6.3.10. Equipment and Facility:

C6.3.10.1. Who is responsible for making sure all leased equipment is

returned to the owner?

C6.3.10.2. What is to be done with the mail center's furniture, supplies,

equipment, and vehicles when operations stop?

C6.3.10.3. Who turns out the mail center lights at the end of operations?

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104 CHAPTER 6

C6.3.10.4. Who receives the keys to the mail center at the end of operations?

C6.3.11. Who is responsible for determining when employment of the various

mail center employees will stop and for notifying them?

C6.4. GUIDANCE FOR ACTIVITY OR MAIL CENTER MOVEMENT OR NAME

CHANGES

C6.4.1. Most of the things needing to be done when an activity or mail center

moves are covered in section C6.2. and section C6.3. The following also apply to

moves:

C6.4.2. Planing for the Move: Management and employees intuitively understand

things will be different in the new facility. So, moves are an excellent time to improve

the appearance and efficiency of the mail center. There is less resistance to

introducing new policies, procedures, and automated/robotics equipment for mail

processing and delivery when the changes are associated with moves. Since these

changes may affect the activity's finances as well as the building's design and space

allocation, the mail center manager must have a plan and sell it to management. OMMs

should also review 5-Year Plans and Business Recover Plans to identify possible

appearance and efficiency improvements for the new mail center.

C6.4.3. How will the staff provide service at both the old and new locations at the

same time during the move?

C6.4.4. USPS-Related Items

C6.4.4.1. If the new location is not served by the same post office, many items

in section C6.2. and section C6.3. apply.

C6.4.4.2. If the new location is served by the same post office providing

service at the old location:

C6.4.4.2.1. Submit a change of address to the Postmaster. Depending

upon what is in the USPS' AMS database, it may or may not be necessary to submit a

change of address if the activity moves to a different location in the same building.

C6.4.4.2.2. When the mail center moves within a building and incoming

mail is delivered to the mail center versus a loading dock, provide the new location to

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

105 CHAPTER 6

the Postmaster. Special instructions telling the carrier how to gain access to the

building may also need changing.

C6.4.4.2.3. Change the activity's address on postage meter licenses, trust

accounts, the various permits in use, post office box or caller service rental records,

Consolidated Automated Payment System accounts.

C6.4.4.2.4. Coordinate any changes required in business reply mail and

return service pieces.

C6.4.4.2.5. ZIP Code and ZIP+4 Codes:

C6.4.4.2.5.1. If the activity has its own 5-digit ZIP Code, can it

continue to use it at the new location?

C6.4.4.2.5.2. The activity can continue to use existing +4 Codes if

the activity has and can continue to use its own 5-digit ZIP Code or is given a new one.

C6.4.4.2.5.3. If the activity does not have its own 5-digit ZIP Code,

are the same +4 Codes available at the new location? If not, are sufficient

replacements available?

C6.4.5. Other Considerations

C6.4.5.1. Submit a change of address to all correspondents and vendors. Do

not forget periodical publishers.

C6.4.5.2. Modify contracts and standing delivery orders to show the new

locations where maintenance and other services are to be performed or supplies are to

be delivered.

C6.4.5.3. Issue instructions on what to do with existing letterhead and other

stationery items and on printing new items.

C6.4.5.4. Advise the telephone and utility companies when and where you are

moving.

C6.5. PLANNING THE NEW MAIL CENTER

C6.5.1. Systematic and comprehensive planning for the new mail center helps

make sure the new mail center is efficient. It helps give management confidence that

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

106 CHAPTER 6

the request for resources is realistic and should be supported. There is no substitute

for systematic, comprehensive planning.

C6.5.2. Make a list of all the mail center's functions. Check it twice to make sure

it includes everything. Then, ask each mail center employee to check the list and add

things they do that are not on the list. Be sure to include overhead functions such as

management, vacations, illness, training, etc. This is a good time to question why each

function is performed; eliminate those no longer needed; and when possible, combine

similar functions. It is also an ideal time to add any new functions the mail center

should perform. When a new activity starts, some of the functions to be considered are

processing and delivery of incoming mail, processing and delivery of internal mail,

applying postage and delivery of outgoing mail, tracking of accountable mail and other

controlled items, mail directory service, opening and routing incoming mail, FAX

service, charge-back of postage, and other items.

C6.5.3. For each function, create a detailed list of the necessary amount of time;

personnel; furniture; equipment; vehicles; supplies; storage; floor space; and lighting,

electrical, climate, safety, and security requirements for the function. Attention should

be given to using automation and robotics in sorting, tracking, moving, and delivering the

mail and other functions. For the employees, indicate the abilities and capabilities each

must have. What equipment is needed?

C6.5.3.1. For incoming and internal mail, consider sortation equipment,

delivery equipment, and tracking equipment for accountable mail and other internally

controlled items.

C6.5.3.2. For outgoing mail, consider sortation equipment, and how the mail

will be delivered to the post office.

C6.5.3.3. Will postage be paid via stamps or meter imprints? If meter

imprints are used, a license must be obtained from USPS. Consider the cost to lease

the meter and whether to buy or lease associated equipment such as scales, postage

charge-back equipment, and a printer. Postage meter ink and meter tape or strips are

also required. What city, State, ZIP Code must be in meter postmark die?

C6.5.3.3.1. Supplies and Services. These generally consist of meter tape

or strips, ink, ink rollers, maintenance, rate changes (both USPS and other carriers), and

meter leases. Meter tape and ink specifications are found in the Domestic Mail Manual

(DMM) (reference (f)).

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107 CHAPTER 6

C6.5.3.3.2. Equipment Placement. Consider the following when placing

equipment:

C6.5.3.3.2.1. Mail volume.

C6.5.3.3.2.2. Personnel available to assume the function.

C6.5.3.3.2.3. Unique operational requirements, e.g., mailing needs

after duty hours and on weekends.

C6.5.3.3.2.4. If the assignment of a meter will expedite the dispatch

of mail.

C6.5.3.3.2.5. Impact on a consolidated mail program.

C6.5.3.3.3. Equipment Selection. The type and size of mail pieces and

the form of postage used all must be considered when purchasing or leasing equipment.

Consider the following when selecting equipment:

C6.5.3.3.3.1. Automated feeders are useful only for large volumes

of letter-size and flat-size mail that will go through the equipment.

C6.5.3.3.3.2. A postage tape/strip dispenser is necessary for items

too large to go through the equipment.

C6.5.3.3.3.3. Scales:

C6.5.3.3.3.3.1. Obtain only the weighing capacity that is needed

as the larger the capacity of a scale the more it costs. A weighing platform with rollers

may be useful if the scale will be used in a production line.

C6.5.3.3.3.3.2. Mechanical scales may be less expensive than

electronic scales and are useful in locations where only a few items are mailed daily or

in locations where wind, movement, or vibrations preclude the use of electronic

scales. Mechanical scale operators must know how to use postage rate charts to

determine the correct amount of postage for each mail piece.

C6.5.3.3.3.3.3. Electronic scales have many advantages over

mechanical scales but normally cost more. Generally, they can not be used in locations

that are drafty, that move, or that vibrate. The price of electronic scales depend upon

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

108 CHAPTER 6

the weighing capacity and the number of features or functions the scale can perform.

Do not obtain weighing capacity or features that will not be used.

C6.5.4. Combine the lists into a master chart. Place the longer list (functions or

requirements) down the left edge of the chart and the other list across the top. When

creating this chart, list similar functions and requirements adjacent to each other. This

will make it easier to locate duplicate requirements. The master chart will also point

out similar requirements where duplicate resources can be eliminated or additional

flexibility gained by having furniture, equipment, etc., that meets all the similar

requirements.

C6.5.5. Using the master chart, create a resource list for the new mail center.

Under each resource, list the resource's specifications that must be met and the

functions the resource satisfies. Double-check the list to make sure all functions and

resource specifications are included.

C6.5.6. Make a list of things in the current resources that prevent efficient

operations.

C6.5.7. Equipment and Furnishings

C6.5.7.1. Using the resources list created above, make a list of equipment and

furnishings needed in the new mail center. Include the functional specifications and

electrical and space requirements for each item. Compare this list with the list of

existing resources.

C6.5.7.2. Make a list of existing resources to be moved to the new facility and

a separate list of items to be purchased or leased for the new facility.

C6.5.7.3. Make a list of items that will not be needed after the move and find

out what to do with them.

C6.6. DESIGNING THE MAIL CENTER

C6.6.1. Some mail center furniture vendors have design kits that are useful in

designing a mail center. Some will submit, free of charge, a proposal that includes an

efficient mail center design and prices for new furnishings. Ask the vendor to provide

references of customers that have accepted their design and purchased their furniture at

least 6 months previously. Make arrangements to visit those customers' mail centers

and find out what they like and do not like about the design and furnishings provided by

the vendor.

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109 CHAPTER 6

C6.6.2. Some things that must be considered include the following: How will the

work flow? What are the equipment electrical requirements? Is adequate heating and

cooling available? Is the lighting in the proper locations and adequate? Is there access

from the mail center to a loading dock? Is there adequate vehicle parking at the loading

dock? Is there a lift or some other method that will allow mail carts to be rolled

between the loading dock and vehicles having various loading bed heights? Are hallway,

door, and aisle widths adequate for mail transport equipment? How will mail be moved

between floors in multi-story buildings? Where are the customers who generate and

receive large volumes of mail? Is there adequate storage for supplies and equipment?

How much mail will be processed? What is the number of primary and secondary mail

sorts? Is the mail primarily letters, flats, or parcels? Parcels require much more floor

space than letters and flats. Does the volume of accountable mail and other items that

must be tracked justify the cost of an automated tracking system? Where will the USPS

and other carriers deliver incoming items and how much space is required? On DoD

installations, can the mail center be located next to the post office? Improve mail

center security by:

C6.6.2.1. Providing lockable storage outside the mail center for employees to

store personal belongings rather than bringing them into the mail center.

C6.6.2.2. Designing the facility and locating supervisors so they can see the

entire work area.

C6.6.2.3. Blocking customer access to mail processing areas through the use

of walls, furniture, counters, half doors, etc.

C6.6.2.4. Providing lockable USPS-approved boxes when customers pick-up

their mail from the mail center. Placing the boxes so the customers do not need

access to the mail center to get their mail reduces interruptions for the mail center's

staff and allows customers to obtain their mail any time. Secure doors on the mail

center's side of the boxes provide security for the mail center when the staff is not

placing mail in the boxes. (NOTE: Do not use the word "box" in the address; doing so

may cause addresses to be changed and the mail to be sent to post office boxes. See

USPS Publication 28, "Postal Addressing Standards" (reference (r)), for acceptable

substitutes.)

C6.7. ESTABLISHING THE NEW MAIL CENTER

C6.7.1. Who is responsible for planning and coordinating the movement of

existing and the delivery of new furniture, equipment, and supplies to the new facility?

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

110 CHAPTER 6

C6.7.2. Who submits requests for contracts/leases? Who issues the

contract/lease? How will contracted items or services be paid for?

C6.7.3. What date will operations begin at the new mail center?

C6.7.4. What date must the new mail center facility be ready for occupancy?

C6.7.5. When and how will existing mail center equipment, furniture, and supplies

be moved to the new facility? Who will install them?

C6.7.6. When will the new equipment, supplies, and furniture be delivered to the

new facility? Who will be there to accept them? Who will install them?

C6.7.7. Will the move necessitate an interruption of service to the customers? If

so, for how long? Who will notify the customers and how will they be notified?

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

111 CHAPTER 6

AP1. APPENDIX 1

AGREEMENT

CONCERNING COMMERCIAL POSTAGE METER USE

AT MILITARY POST OFFICE ADDRESSES

(Amendment 1 is Incorporated)

PART I - INTRODUCTION

This agreement between the United States Postal Service and the Department of

Defense (as a customer of the United States Postal Service) provides for the use of

commercial postage meters by Department of Defense activities served by military post

offices (APO/FPOs).

PART II - GENERAL PROVISIONS

1. Except as specifically provided otherwise by this Agreement, all regulations

pertaining to the leasing, licensing, servicing, inspections, and use of postage meters

(Section P030 of the Domestic Mail Manual) shall apply to commercial postage meters

leased by the Department of Defense for use at locations served by a military post

office.

2. The term "post office," as used in the Domestic Mail Manual and elsewhere,

shall be understood to include military post offices.

3. All Department of Defense mail bearing a commercial postage meter imprint

and originating in an area served by a military post office shall be deposited only in

authorized depositories for the United States Mails.

4. Either party to this Agreement may terminate the Agreement by providing 30

days prior written notice to the other party, stating the reasons for the decision to

terminate. The United States Postal Service may terminate this Agreement if revenue

cannot be protected. Specific instances of cause for termination may be the failure of

the Department of Defense to maintain control of meter locations, to ensure inspection

as provided by the terms of this agreement, and/or the failure of a manufacturer to

inspect as provided by the terms of this agreement and/or repair meters and maintain the

required documentation.

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

112 APPENDIX 1

5. Each party will designate a representative for the purpose of coordinating the

Agreement. The initial designee of the United States Postal Service is the Manager,

Mailing Systems Development, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20260-6807.

The initial designee of the Department of Defense is the Department of Defense

Official Mail Manager, Military Postal Service Agency, Alexandria, VA 22331-0006.

6. Only those activities authorized by both the Postal Service and the DoD

representative listed above may use commercial postage meters.

PART III - PROCEDURES FOR OBTAINING AND USING POSTAGE METERS

1. Lease and Manufacturer Inspection

a. The Department of Defense activities shall lease postage meters only from

Postal Service authorized meter manufacturers in the United States. When obtained, the

meters must be set to show no postage on the meter.

b. Inspection

i. "Inaccessible Meter" is any meter leased by the Department of Defense

that is likely to be inaccessible to the manufacturer for a substantial period of time, and

that has been identified in writing by the Department of Defense and the manufacturer as

inaccessible. A meter may be inaccessible for no more than 2 years, at which time it

must be checked out of service or presented to the manufacturer for inspection. The

Official Mail Manager of the Department of Defense activity leasing the meter shall

send written notice to the licensing post office in III.4. within 30 days of the

commencement of the period of inaccessibility of a postage meter. Should a meter

identified under this paragraph as inaccessible become accessible, the Official Mail

Manager of the Department of Defense activity leasing the meter shall promptly notify

the licensing post office in III.4. of such change.

ii. Under this agreement, the Department of Defense shall make any

inaccessible meter available for manufacturer inspection at the first available

opportunity if more than twelve months have elapsed since the last inspection.

iii. Under this agreement, any postage meter that is not identified as

inaccessible in III.1.b.i. may only be leased for, or transferred to, locations where the

manufacturer can inspect the meter each twelve months. Any requests for exceptions

will be submitted in writing through the Department of Defense Official Mail Manager

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

113 APPENDIX 1

to the Manager, Mailing Systems Development, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Washington,

DC 20260-6807. Exceptions shall be considered on a case-by-case basis.

2. MPO Custodian of Postal Effects shall:

a. Maintain records as required by the DMM for each meter leased and

licensed under the terms of this Agreement.

b. Ensure that meters are set as specified in Section P030 of the Domestic

Mail Manual and shall provide appropriate instructions to designated military postal

service personnel.

c. Maintain a listing of all commercial postage meters leased to the

Department of Defense activities served.

d. Provide to the appropriate gateway postmaster a quarterly report of the

location and serial number of each meter along with copies of the USPS Form 3610 for

these meters.

3. Transportation of Postage Meters

a. The manufacturer will notify, in writing, the activity, the MPO, and the

appropriate gateway postmaster when the meter is shipped. Manufacturers shall ship

the meters, by registered mail, to the Custodian of Postal Effects at the MPO where the

meters are to be set. Upon receipt of a meter the Custodian of Postal Effects shall

notify the intended user that the meter has arrived and retain the meter until the intended

user complies with licensing and other requirements.

b. When a meter is checked out of service the Custodian of Postal Effects

shall immediately return it to the manufacturer by USPS official registered mail.

4. Licensing of Postage Meters. Department of Defense activities shall submit

PS Form 3601-A (Application or Update for a License to Lease and Use Postage

Meters) as follows:

a. Activities having an APO/FPO AA and AE address:

U.S. Postal Service

Office of Mail Requirements

ATTN: Meter Section

Room 3220, JAF Building

New York, New York 10199-9651

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

114 APPENDIX 1

b. Activities having an APO/FPO AP address:

U.S. Postal Service

Office of Mail Requirements

ATTN: Meter Section

1300 Evans Ave, Room 303

San Francisco, CA 94188-9651

c. Upon receipt of the issued license, the activity will furnish a copy of the

license and the covering purchase order to the manufacturer who will provide the meter.

5. Transfer of Meters

a. Meters may be transferred to another location (military post office) under

the same license only if they are to be used by the same unit for which the license was

issued. The unit shall notify by letter the appropriate gateway postmaster, both the

gaining and losing military post offices, and the meter manufacturer prior to moving the

meter.

b. Meters may not be transferred between licensees.

6. Repairs to Postage Meters. All repairs will be performed by the manufacturer's

meter repair facilities in the United States. This does not apply to meter bases and

other related equipment.

7. Reporting the destruction, loss, theft, capture, or misplacement of meters. The

Department of Defense will immediately report any such occurrences to the appropriate

gateway postmaster (who will in turn notify the Inspector-in-Charge) and the

manufacturer's local representative and United States headquarters.

8. Checking Meters In and Out of Service

a. Checking meters into service. Meters shall be checked into service at the

military post office authorized to set them. The meter will be sent by registered mail

from the manufacturer to the appropriate MPO for the initial setting of the meter and

delivery to the leasing activity.

b. Checking meters out of service. When the use of a meter is terminated for

any reason, including replacement, the meter shall immediately be checked out of

service at the appropriate military post office and immediately thereafter the Custodian

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

115 APPENDIX 1

of Postal Effects shall return it to its manufacturer in the United States by USPS

official registered mail.

9. Payment for Postage. All postage set on commercial meters by military post

offices shall be paid for via cash or check presented at the time the postage meter is set.

10. Advance Deposit Trust Accounts. The use of advance deposit trust accounts is

not authorized at military post offices.

11. The United States Postal Service is not responsible for providing any

equipment necessary to operate the meters.

SIGNED SIGNED

S. Hamel William G. Meehan

General Manager Exec Dir, MPSA

Customer & Field Support Division Military Postal Service Agency

United States Postal Service 2 August 89

7/18/89

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

116 APPENDIX 1

AP2. APPENDIX 2

DIPLOMATIC POUCH MAIL

AP2.1. PURPOSE

This Appendix paraphrases DoS policies and procedures to be followed when using the

Department of State (DoS) Diplomatic Pouch Service (DPS). The policies and

procedures in this Appendix agreed with DoS requirements when they were written.

DoS may change their requirements at any time. If that happens, follow DoS policies

and procedures even though they may conflict with this Appendix.

AP2.2. GENERAL

AP2.2.1. Diplomatic pouches are intended to transport items, for the official use

of the diplomatic mission, across international frontiers without procedural delay and

without inspection by foreign government officials. These are the basic tenets of

Article 27 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Privileges and Immunities

(reference (q)) and of international law and practices as they regard diplomatic

pouches. The great majority of diplomatic pouches are dispatched unaccompanied;

observance of their diplomatic status is entrusted to the good faith of foreign officials.

AP2.2.1.1. Diplomatic pouches are not marked in any way except as

diplomatic correspondence. The pouch itself must in no way provide clues as to the

nature of its contents by displaying notice labels or organizational symbols. It is an

anonymous container. Pouches containing classified items are prepared and

documented in the same manner as pouches containing unclassified items but they are

dispatched accompanied by a diplomatic courier or other authorized U.S. Government

employee. Whether the pouch is dispatched accompanied or unaccompanied, its only

purpose is to protect diplomatic and national security information. It is not intended to

protect items of great monetary value or to function as an express mail service.

AP2.2.1.2. Pouch contents, regardless of their nature or classification, shall

not be disclosed or discussed with any person except U.S. Government employees with

the proper classification and a need to know. Under no circumstances may they be

disclosed to or discussed with foreign officials. See paragraph C5.3.2. for additional

instructions.

AP2.2.1.3. There are no limits on pouch size or weight for official items

except those imposed by host governments (contact DPM or diplomatic post for latest

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

117 APPENDIX 2

information) and the capacity of the mode of transport. See section AP2.4. for

information on size and weight limitations for various addresses used to get items into

the diplomatic pouches.

AP2.3. CONTROL OF POUCHES AND POUCH CONTENTS

AP2.3.1. Pouch Communications. Communications concerning material to be

dispatched by pouch shall be classified as follows:

AP2.3.1.1. Electronic Inspection. All forms of electronic inspection,

including X-ray and metal detectors.

AP2.3.1.2. Physical Inspection. Mail suspected of containing items

prohibited for pouch transmission may be opened for inspection by Pouch Control

Officers. Unclassified items may be opened without consent of sender or addressee.

Classified items may be opened only in the presence of and with the consent of the

sender or addressee. If consent is refused, the item will not be accepted for pouch

transmission or returned to the sender when received in an incoming pouch.

AP2.4. PREPARATION OF MAIL

AP2.4.1. Size and Weight Considerations. Items weighing over 40 pounds, or

exceeding 62 inches in length and girth combined, or whose longest dimension exceeds

24 inches cannot be shipped in standard diplomatic pouches and are called

nonconveyable.

AP2.4.1.1. If the item is not for official business and exceeds the weight or

size limits, do NOT ship it.

AP2.4.1.2. If the item going to a diplomatic post is unclassified, official

business and exceeds the weight or size limits, call the DoS Unclassified Pouch Branch

[(703) 661-6300] for special preparation and delivery instruction.

AP2.4.1.3. If the item going to a diplomatic post is unclassified and exceeds

the weight or size limit, call the DoS Classified Pouch Branch [(703) 922-3070 or

(703) 922-2696] for special preparation and delivery instructions.

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

118 APPENDIX 2

AP2.4.2. Items from Diplomatic Posts

AP2.4.2.1. All items originating at diplomatic posts shall be prepared and

presented as required herein and by the diplomatic post.

AP2.4.2.2. All unclassified, non-mailable items (because of size, weight, or

content) shall be prepared as required by DoS. Originators shall advise the addressee

the item is being shipped so arrangements can be made to pick up the item on arrival the

DPM.

AP2.4.3. Items for Diplomatic Posts

AP2.4.3.1. Use the following address format for unclassified items:

(Name of persons or organization)

(Diplomatic post name)

Department of State

Washington, DC 20521-xxxx*

See the chart in AP2.F1. for the appropriate ZIP+4 Code. The use of the correct

ZIP+4 Code ensures speediest mail processing.

AP2.4.3.2. Use the following address formats for classified items.

AP2.4.3.2.1. Address the outer wrapper as follows:

Branch Chief

Diplomatic Pouch and Mail, SA-8

Department of State

Washington, DC 20522-0801

AP2.4.3.2.2. Address the inner wrapper as follows:

NAME OF ADDRESSEE

TITLE and/or AGENCY OF ADDRESSEE

NAME OF OVERSEAS MISSION

DEPARTMENT OF STATE

WASHINGTON, DC 20521-nnnn*

*See the chart in Figure AP2.F1. for appropriate ZIP+4 Code.

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

119 APPENDIX 2

AP2.4.3.3. Deliver to Room B528, Main State Building, all classified

items not mailed. The entrance is via truck ramp into the building on 21 Street, between

C and D streets.

Figure AP2.F1. ZIP+4 Codes for Unclassified Mail and Inner Wrapper on Classified DoD

Diplomatic Pouch Mail

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

120 APPENDIX 2

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

121 APPENDIX 2

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

122 APPENDIX 2

DoD 4525.8-M, Dec. 26, 2001

123 APPENDIX 2